Kingwood, New Jersey

§ 57-1 Definitions and usage.

A. Definitions. The words hereinafter defined shall have the meaning herein indicated for the purposes of this article as follows:

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KENNEL

Any establishment wherein or whereon the business of boarding or selling dogs or breeding dogs for sale is carried on, except a pet shop.

§ 57-2 License required for dogs; compliance.

No person shall keep or harbor any dog within the Township pursuant to § 57-3 below in the County of Hunterdon without first obtaining a license, to be issued by the Dog Licensing Agent upon application by the owner and payment of the prescribed fee, and no person shall keep or harbor any dog in the Township except in compliance with the provisions of this article and all applicable state statutes.

§ 57-4 License fees.

A. A person applying for a one-year license and registration tag pursuant to § 57-3 above shall pay a fee of $16 for each dog in 2020. The fee shall be $17 in 2021 and $18 in 2022 and thereafter. Persons applying for a license who present a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian stating that the dog has been spayed or neutered shall be entitled to a reduction of $3 in the annual fee.

§ 57-9 Licensing of kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound.

A. Any person who keeps or operates or proposes to establish a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound shall apply to the Township Zoning Officer for a determination of whether the proposed use meets zoning ordinance requirements or if a variance and/or site plan would be required by the Land Use Board to entitle him or her to keep or operate such establishment. Any person who is granted permission to establish a kennel, pet shop, shelter, or pound, shall not be required to secure individual licenses for dogs or cats owned by such licensee, and kept at such establishments. Such license for kennel, pet shop, shelter, or pound, shall not be transferable to another owner of different premises and shall expire on June 30 of each year, shall be issued annually, and shall be run on a fiscal basis (12 months) from July 1 to June 30.

B. All licenses issued for a kennel, pet shop, shelter, or pound shall state the purpose for which the establishment has been maintained. All licenses are subject be subject to revocation by the Township Committee on recommendation of the New Jersey Department of Health, the Hunterdon County Health Officer, or the Board of Health of the Township for failure to comply with the rules and regulations of the State Department of Health or the Board of Health of the Township governing the same, after the owner has been afforded a hearing by either the New Jersey Department of Health or the Township Board of Health. Such licenses shall be prominently displayed at the facility accessible to the public, Health Officer, or Animal Control Officer.

C. If a Zoning Officer determines that variance or site plan review is needed, the application shall describe the premises where the establishment is located or proposed to be located, the purpose or purposes for which it is to be maintained and shall be accompanied by the written approval of the Zoning Officer and the Hunterdon County Health Department showing that plans will be in compliance with the local and state rules and regulations governing location and sanitation at such establishment. The application will also describe the maximum number of dogs, cats or other animals to be accommodated by such establishment(s) at any one time. The maximum number of dogs allowed is 20 on the site at any one time. The maximum number of cats allowed is 20 on the site at any one time. This is dependent upon the size of kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound.

D. All licenses for a kennel, pet shop, shelter, or pound shall be forwarded to the Township Committee for approval upon recommendation of either the Zoning Officer or the Land Use Board. The Township Committee during January of each year can renew licenses with a majority vote upon recommendation of the Zoning Officer, the Animal Control Officer and/or State or County Health Department Official, certifying that the establishment is in full compliance and is being properly maintained.

E. The Zoning Officer, Animal Control Officer, State and/or County Health Department Official shall ensure any person holding a license to establish, keep or operate a kennel, pet shop, or shelter or pound shall comply with applicable state, county and local laws.

 F. A license for a kennel, pet shop, shelter, or pound shall be as follows:

(1) Kennel accommodating 10 or fewer dogs: $10.

(2) Kennel accommodating more than 20 dogs: $25.

§ 57-9.1 Criteria for evaluation.

The determination of whether a variance or site plan approval is necessary shall be determined by the following criteria:

A. The number of animals sought to be harbored by the facility;

B. What type(s) of animals are intended to be harbored at the facility;

C. Whether any breeding operations are contemplated;

(1) If so, what is the anticipated number of litter(s) to be had per calendar year;

D. Whether animals, other than those owned by the facility operator and/or owner are intended to be boarded at the facility;

(1) If so, whether these animals are harbored overnight;

(2) If so, what is the number of animals to be harbored at the facility;

E.  What training is available at the facility;

F. What is the number of personnel and/or staff available to assist with the facility’s operations;

G. What is the anticipated revenue amount to be obtained from the facility’s operation(s).

§ 57-10 Fees for kennel and pet shop licenses.

The annual license fee for a kennel providing accommodations for 10 or fewer dogs shall be $10 and for more than 10 dogs $25. The annual license fee for a pet shop shall be $10. No fee shall be charged for a shelter or pound.

§ 57-11 Dogs off premises of kennel.

No dog kept in a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound shall be permitted off such premises except on leash or in a crate or other safe control.