Williamsburg Borough Animal Ordinance #391
Overview
The Borough of Williamsburg, Blair County, Pennsylvania, enacted Ordinance No. 391 on November 5, 2018. This ordinance replaces existing dog laws and establishes comprehensive regulations regarding animal noise, sanitary maintenance, leash requirements, and the prohibition of certain animals.
Noise Disturbance Regulations
It is illegal to own or control an animal that creates a nuisance through noise. The ordinance defines "nuisance" based on specific timeframes:
- Continuous Noise: Making noise continuously for a period of ten minutes.
- Intermittent Noise: Making noise intermittently for one-half hour or more.
These rules apply regardless of whether the animal is on private property, provided no one is trespassing or threatening to trespass.
Sanitary Maintenance and Limits
- Sanitation: Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sanitary condition of premises where animals are housed, excluding farm animals in agricultural zones.
- Quantity Limits: The number of pets is limited to only those that can be adequately maintained in a clean, sanitary condition without causing offensive odors.
Prohibition of Hooved Animals
Consistent with previous ordinances, the keeping of any kind of hooved animal is prohibited within the Borough. This provision is intended not to conflict with state agricultural laws; where state law permits an activity that this ordinance prohibits, the ordinance is deemed to permit it.
Animal Shelters
Animal shelters must be constructed to avoid creating health hazards or nuisances for adjoining property owners. Specifically regarding dogs, shelters must comply with Pennsylvania law to avoid neglect, including provisions against tethering an unattended dog.
Animals Running at Large
- Prohibition: It is unlawful to permit any animal under your supervision to run at large on public streets, sidewalks, alleys, or the property of others.
- Enforcement: Police or dog enforcement officers are required to pick up dogs or cats found in violation.
- Disposition of Animals:
- Seized animals are kept and fed in the Borough kennel until returned to the owner or agency.
- If the owner cannot be determined, animals are turned over to the Pennsylvania Dog Warden or a humane society.
- Citations: If a dog or cat is seized on more than two occasions within any twelve-month period, the police may cite the owner for lack of control.
Dog Leash Requirements
Owners must ensure their dogs are restrained by a leash or appropriate device so they cannot stray beyond the premises or remain under reasonable control. This practice is referred to as "curbing. "
Effective Date and Repealer
This Ordinance became effective immediately upon enactment. It repeals the following previous ordinances:
- Ordinance Number 149
- Ordinance Number 286
- Ordinance Number 383