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Borough of Norwood
ARTICLE I, Care and Custody; Duties of Dog Catcher [Adopted 7-20-1951 by Ord. No. 321
§ 40-1. Definitions. [Amended 4-27-1992 by Ord. No. 92-2]
As used in this ordinance, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ANIMAL — Any living creature which is not a person, including but not limited to any pet, dog, cat, fowl, hamster,
guinea pig, mouse or reptile.
OWNER — When applied to the proprietorship of a dog, cat, fowl, reptile or any other animals. includes every
person having title to such dog, cat. fowl, reptile or any other animal, and also to every person who keeps or harbors
a dog, cat, fowl, reptile or any other animal or has it in his possession, care or custody, and to every person who
permits a dog. cat, fowl, reptile or any other animal to remain on, in or about any premises occupied by him.
PIT BULLS -- Include any of the following breeds of dogs: Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull, pit bull and any dog
that fits into the above American Kennel definitions, dogs displaying the majority of traits of any of the above breeds
and any dog bred for fighting.
RUNNING AT LARGE ~ The presence of any animal upon any public highway street, alley, park or any other public
land, or upon property of another person other than the owner, without being under the control of the owner or other
person having custody of said animal.
§ 40-2. Duties of animal owners. [Amended 4-27-1992 by Ord. No. 92-2]
A. Hereafter it shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal, at any time whatsoever, to permit such animal to run at
large or to cause any damage to any buildings, lawns, shrubbery or any other real or personal property, or to cause
any annoyance to persons in the Borough of Norwood, or to tie or fasten any animal in any public place or street in
the Borough for any purpose.
B. When the presence of an animal inside an enclosed building or structure causes any noise to be heard or odor
to be detected inside another enclosed building or structure, such noise or odor is hereby declared to be a public
nuisance and shall be abated by the proper Borough authorities in the manner now provided by law for the
abatement of nuisances.
C. No person shall own, keep or harbor any animal within the Borough of Norwood unless such animal is licensed.
D. Upon complying with the provisions regarding licensing of animals, every owner is required to
see that the current license tag is securely fastened to the animal's chain, collar or harness, which must be worn by
the animal at all times, unless the animal, accompanied by the owner, is engaged in hunting or other sport where a
collar might endanger the animal's safety.
E. Every person living in the Borough of Norwood owning or keeping a dog or cat over three months of age shall
cause that dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine shall be administered by a licensed
veterinarian or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The Borough of Norwood shall recognize the three-
year rabies vaccine as the vaccine to be used. Those animals vaccinated after one year of age shall get booster
vaccinations every three years thereafter. Those animals vaccinated prior to one year of age will be considered
protected for only one year and shall receive a booster vaccination one year later on the anniversary date of the
original vaccination and shall be vaccinated every three years thereafter. Every licensed veterinarian who vaccinates
a dog or cat against rabies shall issue a vaccination certificate and tag to the owner. Information contained in
rabies vaccination records shall not be used for the purpose of licensing animals or for taxation of individuals for
owning animals. Every person living in the Borough of Norwood owning or keeping a dog or cat must be able to
show proof of vaccination at any time upon the request of the Norwood Borough Police Department or other duly
authorized agent of the Borough of Norwood.
F. The number of dogs, cats, snakes, ducks, fowl and other animals permitted to be maintained in any one
dwelling unit shall be limited to three of any one type of animal listed herein and a total of five of any of the animals
described herein in combination.
§ 40-3. Dog Catcher appointed. en(1)
The Mayor or Borough Council of the Borough of Norwood shall appoint an officer to be known as Borough Dog
Catcher. It shall be the duty of the said officer to enforce this ordinance, to institute prosecutions for violations
thereof in the name of the Borough and to carry out all of the provisions of this ordinance, including the care and
custody of any dogs running at large in violation hereof and their destruction.
§ 40-4. Duties of Dog Catcher.
A. The Borough Dog Catcher is hereby authorized and directed to seize any dog running at large within the Borough
of Norwood. If it shall appear dangerous to seize said dog without the use officer, then the Dog Catcher be and is
hereby authorized to use such force as shall be necessary to seize the said dog and to protect himself; and if in the
use officer, under the circumstances, the dog shall be killed, the Dog Catcher shall not be held responsible or
liable for the death of the said animal. In the use officer, the Dog Catcher shall not endanger any person or property
and the Dog Catcher shall not use or discharge any firearms. If the use of a
firearm should be necessary, then the Dog Catcher shall call upon the Borough police for assistance, and it shall
be the duty of the police to render assistance under such circumstances.
B. The Dog Catcher shall carefully note the date and the time of the seizure or destruction of any dog and the place
of its seizure or destruction, and shall attempt to ascertain the name and address of the owner of the dog.
C. In the case of seizure, the Dog Catcher shall hold the said dog in custody in a place to be approved by the Police
Committee of the Borough Council. Said place of custody shall be adequate in size for said dog and shall be kept
clean and sanitary, and the Dog Catcher shall feed any dog seized with good and wholesome fopd and shall keep
plenty of fresh water available.
D. If there is no report, evidence or indication that any dog seized has bitten any person or animal or is suffering the
disease of rabies, then any dog seized shall be held in custody by the Dog Catcher for a minimum period of 72
hours, to be computed from the time the dog is placed in the place of custody. During said minimum period of 72
hours, the Dog Catcher shall deliver custody of the said dog to its owner upon proof of the right to have custody and
upon payment of the sum of $10 and upon payment of the cost of maintenance of the said dog, which shall be set
forth in a schedule to be set by the Police Committee and posted in the place where the dog is held. During the
period of 72 hours, the Dog Catcher shall attempt to ascertain the ownership of the dog by reference to license
records if the dog appears to be licensed. Also, if there shall be any fine and penalty imposed on the owner of the
dog as the result of any prosecution hereunder, then the owner shall exhibit proof to the Dog Catcher that the fine
and costs have been paid in full before the dog shall be delivered to its owner. If the dog is not reclaimed by the
owner at the expiration of j,he minimum period of 72 hours, then it shall be the duty of the Dog Catcher to cause the
dog to be killed in a merciful manner and its body disposed of in a sanitary manner, and a careful record to be
made of the date, time, place and manner of its destruction and of the disposal of its body. Nothing herein shall
require that an unlicensed dog be maintained in custody for any period. [Amended 9-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546]
E. If there is any report, evidence or indication that any dog seized has bitten any person or animal, or if there is any
basis to suspect that any dog seized may have the disease of rabies, then the Dog Catcher shall keep custody of
the dog under close quarantine for a period of not less than 10 days, during which time he shall make frequent and
close observation of the dog for rabies. If there are any indications that the dog has rabies, then the Dog Catcher
shall cause the dog to be examined by a licensed veterinarian who shall be designated for that purpose by the
Borough Council. If, in the opinion of the veterinarian, the dog has rabies, then the dog shall be killed and its head
shall be forwarded to a proper testing laboratory for microscopic examination; and if it shall be determined that the
dog was suffering from rabies, then any person bitten or who was suspected of having been bitten shall be
immediately warned and advised to take the Pasteur treatments; provided, however, that it shall not be the
obligation of the Borough to pay for said treatments. Any dog or other animal suspected of having been bitten by a
rabid dog shall be taken into the custody of the Dog Catcher and shall be held by him in custody for a minimum
period of 10 days, subject to the same investigation by the Dog Catcher and/or veterinarian for clinical symptoms of
rabies; and if rabies develops, then said dog or animal shall be killed and its head shall be forwarded for
microscopic examination. If any dog held for quarantine shall not develop rabies at the expiration of the quarantine
period, the dog may be reclaimed by its owner upon payment of the sum of $10, plus the cost of maintenance of
said dog for the quarantine period; and if said dog is not reclaimed at the expiration of said quarantine period, it
shall be killed as here inbefore set forth, with record made and report rendered. Nothing herein shall require that an
unlicensed dog be maintained in custody for any period. [Amended 9"-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546]
F. In any case where a dog was killed at the time of its capture by the Dog Catcher and there was any evidence,
indication or report that the dog was diseased, the head shall be forwarded to a laboratory for microscopic
examination; and if the examination discloses that the dog was rabid, then due notice of said fact shall be given to
the people of Norwood through the Norwood Borough Police Department.
§ 40-5. Complete reports of seizures and examinations.
It shall be the duty of the Dog Catcher to keep full records and to render complete reports of all seizures of dogs,
together with a statement of the date, time and place of seizure and of all destruction of dogs, together with the date,
time and place and manner of destruction. The Dog Catcher shall likewise keep a full report of all examinations of
all dogs who have bitten any person or animal and who are otherwise suspected of having rabies.EHO) All such
reports shall be made monthly to the Borough Secretary in time for presentation to the Borough Council at the
regular monthly meeting of the Borough Council.
§ 40-6. Records of moneys collected; submission of bills.
It shall be the duty of the Dog Catcher to keep foil and complete records of the proceeds of all moneys received for
the return of dogs to the owners, and he shall remit all of said proceeds, together with a foil and complete report
thereof, to the Borough Secretary in time for presentation to Borough Council at its scheduled, regular monthly
meeting. Any bills that the Dog Catcher shall have for the care and custody of dogs shall be submitted likewise for
presentation to Borough Council at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
§ 40-7. Contract with Dog Catcher; obligations cited. [Amended 9-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546]
The Borough of Norwood and a suitable person designated by Borough Council shall enter into a contract whereby
the Borough of Norwood shall employ the said person as Dog Catcher.
§ 40-8. Reports to the Chief of Police.
It shall be the duty of the Dog Catcher to report to the Chief of Police of the Borough of Norwood on each visit to the
Borough, and to advise him of the number of dogs caught on said visit; and he shall also be subject to special call
by the Chief of Police or the Mayor in the event of any emergency in connection with any dog running at large.
§ 40-9. Applicability.
This ordinance shall be construed to apply to all dogs, whether they shall be licensed or unlicensed, and it shall not
be the duty of the Borough Dog Catcher to enforce the terms of any state law. The Borough Dog Catcher shall not
be construed to be a police officer of the Borough of Norwood or to have police powers in connection with his office.
§ 40-10. Interference with Dog Catcher; violations and penalties. [Amended 9-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546]
Any person who shall interfere with the Dog Catcher in the performance of his duties under this ordinance or who
shall attempt to prevent him from seizing or capturing any dog or who shall attempt to liberate any dog in the
custody and possession of the Dog Catcher shall be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction thereof before the
Mayor or a Justice of the Peace, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $300, together
with cost of prosecution, and on default of the payment of the fine and costs, the defendant may be sentenced and
committed to the Borough lockup for a period not exceeding five days or to the county jail for a period not exceeding
30 days.
§ 40-11. Inconsistent ordinances repealed.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
§ 40-12. Title.
This ordinance may be known and cited as "The Norwood Borough Dog Ordinance of 1951."
ARTICLE II, Animals at Large [Adopted 2-8-1952 by Ord. No. 323]
§ 40-13. Confinement required; use of leash. [Amended 4-27-1992 by Ord. No. 92-2]
It shall be the duty of the owner and custodian of any animal, dog, cat, reptile or fowl within the Borough of Norwood
at all times to keep such animal either:
A. Confined within an enclosure from which it cannot escape;
B. Firmly secured by means of a collar and chain or other device so that it cannot stray beyond the premises from
which it is secured; or
C. On a leash or other device, the limits of which shall not be greater than eight feet so as to keep the animal under
reasonable control of the person handling the animal.
§ 40-14. Violations and penalties. [Amended 5-17-1967 by Ord. No. 492; 9-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546; 4-27-1992 by
Ord. No. 92-2]
A. Any owner of any animal found running at large off the premises of the owner shall be notified, if it is a first
offense concerning the animal in question, that he shall pay to the Borough Secretary, within 72 hours of mailing or
delivery of written notice to him, a penalty of $25. After the expiration of such 72 hours, or without such notice, if it is a
second offense with regard to the animal in question, the owner shall be liable for a fine of not less than $25 nor
more than $1,000, in addition to costs of prosecution, to be collected in the same manner as fines and penalties
are now collected.
B. Any licensed animal running at large that is picked up by the animal catcher or by Borough Police shall be
housed and fed, with the owner notified, if it is a first offense concerning the animal in question, that (s)he may
claim the animal within 72 hours of mailing or delivery of written notice to him/her by paying to the Borough
Secretary a penalty of $25, plus all reasonable expenses incurred by reason of the detention. After the expiration of
72 hours, or without such notice, if it is a second offense with regard to the animal in question, the fines set forth in
Subsection A shall apply, in addition to all reasonable expenses incurred by reason of detention of said animal,
and in addition to the cost of prosecution, to be collected in the same manner fines and penalties are now collected.
§ 40-15. Disposal of unclaimed and improperly licensed, unlicensed or licensed animals. [Amended 4-27-1992
by Ord. No, 92-2]
A. Improperly licensed or unlicensed animals that are seized are to be held in a licensed kennel and fed for 48
hours. If said animal is not claimed, it may be destroyed in a humane manner in accordance with the Dog Law of
1982, Act of December 1, 1982, P.L. 784; 3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq., and all amendments thereto.
B. Licensed dogs that are seized are to be held in a licensed kennel and fed. The Norwood Borough Police
Department shall immediately send notice by certified mail, return receipt requested to the person in whose name
the license was procured, or his agent, to claim such animal within five days after receipt thereof. If, five days after
obtaining the postal return receipt, such animal has not been claimed, the animal shall be disposed of by sale or
by destruction in some humane manner.
C. The owner or claimant of an animal so detained shall pay a penalty of $25 to the Borough of Norwood and all
reasonable expenses incurred by reason of its detention to detaining parties before the animal is returned.
§ 40-16. Repealer.
All other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
ARTICLE IV, Dangerous Animals [Adopted 4-27-1992 as part of Ord. No. 92-2EN<1>]
§ 40-23. Attack-trained animals.
A. Attack-trained animals are a potential hazard to the community. These animals are not pets and under no
circumstances will be permitted loose upon the Borough. It will be the duty of a police officer to destroy any loose
animal he has reason to believe is an attack-trained animal.
B. Attack-trained animals must be confined in a secure building. When the animal is to be used to prowl an exterior
area, that area must be securely fenced by a cyclone-type fence or fence of similar confinement at least eight feet in
height.
C. If it becomes necessary to transport an attack-trained animal outside of the secured compound, said animal
must be securely leashed and muzzled, except where it is deemed necessary in the performance of police duties
for the protection of the community.
§ 40-24. Pit bulls considered dangerous.
Pit bulls are considered dangerous animals and potentially hazardous to the community. Pit bulls shall at no time
or under any circumstances be permitted to run loose in or upon the Borough of Norwood. Any pit bull running
loose in or upon the Borough of Norwood shall be subject to restraint, confinement, impoundment and/or
destruction by any, police officer or any other authorized person from the Borough of Norwood. It shall be the duty of
any Borough police officer or other authorized personnel of the Borough to take whatever action is necessary under
the circumstances to properly secure and restrain any loose pit bull, including the immediate destruction of the dog,
and they are hereby authorized to do so.
§ 40-25. Registering of pit bulls; bond.
A. No person shall own, keep or harbor any pit bull over six months of age in any household, residence or any
property whatsoever within the Borough of Norwood without first registering the pit bull with the Borough of Norwood.
B. A pit bull shall be registered with the Borough Secretary and the following information provided to the Borough:
(1) The name of applicant.
(2) The name of the owners of the pit bull if different from the applicant.
(3) The address where the pit bull will be kept.
(4) The number of pit bulls to be kept or housed on the premises.
(5) The exact location on the property where the pit bulls will be kept.
(6) The method to be used to secure or restrain the pit bulls on the property.
(7) The name of the person who will be responsible for the care and confinement of the pit bulls.
(8) Any other information requested by the Borough.
C. If the applicant, owner or other person responsible for any pit bull kept within the Borough violates any provision
of this article or part of any other applicable code, statute or regulation, then permission to keep a pit bull in the
Borough of Norwood shall be automatically revoked.
D. Any person who owns, keeps or harbors a pit bull must post a bond of $20,000 with the Borough of Norwood to
insure payment of any damages or injuries which might be caused by said pit bull. Proof of said bond shall be
provided to the Borough Secretary.
§ 40-26. Confinement of pit bulls.
A. All pit bulls must be confined in a secured building or enclosure.
B. Pit bulls may not be kept, housed or harbored in an exterior yard unless they are securely leashed and muzzled
at all times.
C. All entrances to and exits from a property where a pit bull is confined must post a warning sign, the size and type
of which must be approved by the Borough of Norwood.
D. Any pit bull which is taken off or removed from its area of confinement into or upon the Borough of Norwood must
be kept securely leashed and muzzled at all times.
§ 40-27. Destruction of pit bulls.
Any pit bull which bites or attacks a person for any reason must be destroyed at the owner's expense or
permanently removed from the Borough of Norwood. If said pit bull is not removed from the Borough of Norwood or
destroyed, it shall be subject to seizure and/or destruction by the Borough or its duly authorized person or persons
within three days after the attack.
§ 40-28. Violations and penalties.
A. Any person who shall violate any provision of this part shall, upon conviction thereof, be
sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding $1,000 and costs, or in default of payments thereof, shall be subject to
imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation of this part continues shall constitute a
separate offense.
B. In addition, any person violating the provisions of this part shall be subject to the following:
(1) Forfeiture of their bond.
(2) Revocation of permission to keep a pit bull in the Borough of Norwood.
(3) Prohibition from obtaining permission to keep another pit bull for up to five years.
Be it ordained and enacted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Norwood, Delaware County and State of
Pennsylvania:
§ 83A-1. Trapping restricted.
No person shall, at any time, maintain on his premises, set or use a trap of any kind designed or intended to take,
hold, capture or kill any animal or bird, within the limits of the Borough of Norwood, except as hereinafter specifically
permitted.
§ 83A-2. Cage-type traps permitted.
Whenever any animal or fowl is required to be captured alive, either because the animal or fowl is injured and
requires treatment or because said animal or fowl has become a nuisance or menace either to individual residents
or the community, in general a cage-type trap, also commonly called a cage trap. cage-door trap or live trap,
designed to capture animals alive, may be used.
§ 83A-3. Violations and penalties.
Any person or persons, partnership or corporation who shall violate any provision of this ordinance shall, upon
conviction thereof before a Justice of the Peace or District Justice, be subject to a fine of not more than $25 for each
offense, plus costs of prosecution, and in default of same, commitment to the county jail for a period not to exceed
30 days.
§ 83A-4. Repealer.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith be and they are hereby repealed.
ARTICLE I, Care and Custody; Duties of Dog Catcher [Adopted 7-20-1951 by Ord. No. 321
§ 40-1. Definitions. [Amended 4-27-1992 by Ord. No. 92-2]
As used in this ordinance, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ANIMAL — Any living creature which is not a person, including but not limited to any pet, dog, cat, fowl, hamster,
guinea pig, mouse or reptile.
OWNER — When applied to the proprietorship of a dog, cat, fowl, reptile or any other animals. includes every
person having title to such dog, cat. fowl, reptile or any other animal, and also to every person who keeps or harbors
a dog, cat, fowl, reptile or any other animal or has it in his possession, care or custody, and to every person who
permits a dog. cat, fowl, reptile or any other animal to remain on, in or about any premises occupied by him.
PIT BULLS -- Include any of the following breeds of dogs: Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull, pit bull and any dog
that fits into the above American Kennel definitions, dogs displaying the majority of traits of any of the above breeds
and any dog bred for fighting.
RUNNING AT LARGE ~ The presence of any animal upon any public highway street, alley, park or any other public
land, or upon property of another person other than the owner, without being under the control of the owner or other
person having custody of said animal.
§ 40-2. Duties of animal owners. [Amended 4-27-1992 by Ord. No. 92-2]
A. Hereafter it shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal, at any time whatsoever, to permit such animal to run at
large or to cause any damage to any buildings, lawns, shrubbery or any other real or personal property, or to cause
any annoyance to persons in the Borough of Norwood, or to tie or fasten any animal in any public place or street in
the Borough for any purpose.
B. When the presence of an animal inside an enclosed building or structure causes any noise to be heard or odor
to be detected inside another enclosed building or structure, such noise or odor is hereby declared to be a public
nuisance and shall be abated by the proper Borough authorities in the manner now provided by law for the
abatement of nuisances.
C. No person shall own, keep or harbor any animal within the Borough of Norwood unless such animal is licensed.
D. Upon complying with the provisions regarding licensing of animals, every owner is required to
see that the current license tag is securely fastened to the animal's chain, collar or harness, which must be worn by
the animal at all times, unless the animal, accompanied by the owner, is engaged in hunting or other sport where a
collar might endanger the animal's safety.
E. Every person living in the Borough of Norwood owning or keeping a dog or cat over three months of age shall
cause that dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine shall be administered by a licensed
veterinarian or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The Borough of Norwood shall recognize the three-
year rabies vaccine as the vaccine to be used. Those animals vaccinated after one year of age shall get booster
vaccinations every three years thereafter. Those animals vaccinated prior to one year of age will be considered
protected for only one year and shall receive a booster vaccination one year later on the anniversary date of the
original vaccination and shall be vaccinated every three years thereafter. Every licensed veterinarian who vaccinates
a dog or cat against rabies shall issue a vaccination certificate and tag to the owner. Information contained in
rabies vaccination records shall not be used for the purpose of licensing animals or for taxation of individuals for
owning animals. Every person living in the Borough of Norwood owning or keeping a dog or cat must be able to
show proof of vaccination at any time upon the request of the Norwood Borough Police Department or other duly
authorized agent of the Borough of Norwood.
F. The number of dogs, cats, snakes, ducks, fowl and other animals permitted to be maintained in any one
dwelling unit shall be limited to three of any one type of animal listed herein and a total of five of any of the animals
described herein in combination.
§ 40-3. Dog Catcher appointed. en(1)
The Mayor or Borough Council of the Borough of Norwood shall appoint an officer to be known as Borough Dog
Catcher. It shall be the duty of the said officer to enforce this ordinance, to institute prosecutions for violations
thereof in the name of the Borough and to carry out all of the provisions of this ordinance, including the care and
custody of any dogs running at large in violation hereof and their destruction.
§ 40-4. Duties of Dog Catcher.
A. The Borough Dog Catcher is hereby authorized and directed to seize any dog running at large within the Borough
of Norwood. If it shall appear dangerous to seize said dog without the use officer, then the Dog Catcher be and is
hereby authorized to use such force as shall be necessary to seize the said dog and to protect himself; and if in the
use officer, under the circumstances, the dog shall be killed, the Dog Catcher shall not be held responsible or
liable for the death of the said animal. In the use officer, the Dog Catcher shall not endanger any person or property
and the Dog Catcher shall not use or discharge any firearms. If the use of a
firearm should be necessary, then the Dog Catcher shall call upon the Borough police for assistance, and it shall
be the duty of the police to render assistance under such circumstances.
B. The Dog Catcher shall carefully note the date and the time of the seizure or destruction of any dog and the place
of its seizure or destruction, and shall attempt to ascertain the name and address of the owner of the dog.
C. In the case of seizure, the Dog Catcher shall hold the said dog in custody in a place to be approved by the Police
Committee of the Borough Council. Said place of custody shall be adequate in size for said dog and shall be kept
clean and sanitary, and the Dog Catcher shall feed any dog seized with good and wholesome fopd and shall keep
plenty of fresh water available.
D. If there is no report, evidence or indication that any dog seized has bitten any person or animal or is suffering the
disease of rabies, then any dog seized shall be held in custody by the Dog Catcher for a minimum period of 72
hours, to be computed from the time the dog is placed in the place of custody. During said minimum period of 72
hours, the Dog Catcher shall deliver custody of the said dog to its owner upon proof of the right to have custody and
upon payment of the sum of $10 and upon payment of the cost of maintenance of the said dog, which shall be set
forth in a schedule to be set by the Police Committee and posted in the place where the dog is held. During the
period of 72 hours, the Dog Catcher shall attempt to ascertain the ownership of the dog by reference to license
records if the dog appears to be licensed. Also, if there shall be any fine and penalty imposed on the owner of the
dog as the result of any prosecution hereunder, then the owner shall exhibit proof to the Dog Catcher that the fine
and costs have been paid in full before the dog shall be delivered to its owner. If the dog is not reclaimed by the
owner at the expiration of j,he minimum period of 72 hours, then it shall be the duty of the Dog Catcher to cause the
dog to be killed in a merciful manner and its body disposed of in a sanitary manner, and a careful record to be
made of the date, time, place and manner of its destruction and of the disposal of its body. Nothing herein shall
require that an unlicensed dog be maintained in custody for any period. [Amended 9-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546]
E. If there is any report, evidence or indication that any dog seized has bitten any person or animal, or if there is any
basis to suspect that any dog seized may have the disease of rabies, then the Dog Catcher shall keep custody of
the dog under close quarantine for a period of not less than 10 days, during which time he shall make frequent and
close observation of the dog for rabies. If there are any indications that the dog has rabies, then the Dog Catcher
shall cause the dog to be examined by a licensed veterinarian who shall be designated for that purpose by the
Borough Council. If, in the opinion of the veterinarian, the dog has rabies, then the dog shall be killed and its head
shall be forwarded to a proper testing laboratory for microscopic examination; and if it shall be determined that the
dog was suffering from rabies, then any person bitten or who was suspected of having been bitten shall be
immediately warned and advised to take the Pasteur treatments; provided, however, that it shall not be the
obligation of the Borough to pay for said treatments. Any dog or other animal suspected of having been bitten by a
rabid dog shall be taken into the custody of the Dog Catcher and shall be held by him in custody for a minimum
period of 10 days, subject to the same investigation by the Dog Catcher and/or veterinarian for clinical symptoms of
rabies; and if rabies develops, then said dog or animal shall be killed and its head shall be forwarded for
microscopic examination. If any dog held for quarantine shall not develop rabies at the expiration of the quarantine
period, the dog may be reclaimed by its owner upon payment of the sum of $10, plus the cost of maintenance of
said dog for the quarantine period; and if said dog is not reclaimed at the expiration of said quarantine period, it
shall be killed as here inbefore set forth, with record made and report rendered. Nothing herein shall require that an
unlicensed dog be maintained in custody for any period. [Amended 9"-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546]
F. In any case where a dog was killed at the time of its capture by the Dog Catcher and there was any evidence,
indication or report that the dog was diseased, the head shall be forwarded to a laboratory for microscopic
examination; and if the examination discloses that the dog was rabid, then due notice of said fact shall be given to
the people of Norwood through the Norwood Borough Police Department.
§ 40-5. Complete reports of seizures and examinations.
It shall be the duty of the Dog Catcher to keep full records and to render complete reports of all seizures of dogs,
together with a statement of the date, time and place of seizure and of all destruction of dogs, together with the date,
time and place and manner of destruction. The Dog Catcher shall likewise keep a full report of all examinations of
all dogs who have bitten any person or animal and who are otherwise suspected of having rabies.EHO) All such
reports shall be made monthly to the Borough Secretary in time for presentation to the Borough Council at the
regular monthly meeting of the Borough Council.
§ 40-6. Records of moneys collected; submission of bills.
It shall be the duty of the Dog Catcher to keep foil and complete records of the proceeds of all moneys received for
the return of dogs to the owners, and he shall remit all of said proceeds, together with a foil and complete report
thereof, to the Borough Secretary in time for presentation to Borough Council at its scheduled, regular monthly
meeting. Any bills that the Dog Catcher shall have for the care and custody of dogs shall be submitted likewise for
presentation to Borough Council at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
§ 40-7. Contract with Dog Catcher; obligations cited. [Amended 9-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546]
The Borough of Norwood and a suitable person designated by Borough Council shall enter into a contract whereby
the Borough of Norwood shall employ the said person as Dog Catcher.
§ 40-8. Reports to the Chief of Police.
It shall be the duty of the Dog Catcher to report to the Chief of Police of the Borough of Norwood on each visit to the
Borough, and to advise him of the number of dogs caught on said visit; and he shall also be subject to special call
by the Chief of Police or the Mayor in the event of any emergency in connection with any dog running at large.
§ 40-9. Applicability.
This ordinance shall be construed to apply to all dogs, whether they shall be licensed or unlicensed, and it shall not
be the duty of the Borough Dog Catcher to enforce the terms of any state law. The Borough Dog Catcher shall not
be construed to be a police officer of the Borough of Norwood or to have police powers in connection with his office.
§ 40-10. Interference with Dog Catcher; violations and penalties. [Amended 9-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546]
Any person who shall interfere with the Dog Catcher in the performance of his duties under this ordinance or who
shall attempt to prevent him from seizing or capturing any dog or who shall attempt to liberate any dog in the
custody and possession of the Dog Catcher shall be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction thereof before the
Mayor or a Justice of the Peace, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $300, together
with cost of prosecution, and on default of the payment of the fine and costs, the defendant may be sentenced and
committed to the Borough lockup for a period not exceeding five days or to the county jail for a period not exceeding
30 days.
§ 40-11. Inconsistent ordinances repealed.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
§ 40-12. Title.
This ordinance may be known and cited as "The Norwood Borough Dog Ordinance of 1951."
ARTICLE II, Animals at Large [Adopted 2-8-1952 by Ord. No. 323]
§ 40-13. Confinement required; use of leash. [Amended 4-27-1992 by Ord. No. 92-2]
It shall be the duty of the owner and custodian of any animal, dog, cat, reptile or fowl within the Borough of Norwood
at all times to keep such animal either:
A. Confined within an enclosure from which it cannot escape;
B. Firmly secured by means of a collar and chain or other device so that it cannot stray beyond the premises from
which it is secured; or
C. On a leash or other device, the limits of which shall not be greater than eight feet so as to keep the animal under
reasonable control of the person handling the animal.
§ 40-14. Violations and penalties. [Amended 5-17-1967 by Ord. No. 492; 9-20-1972 by Ord. No. 546; 4-27-1992 by
Ord. No. 92-2]
A. Any owner of any animal found running at large off the premises of the owner shall be notified, if it is a first
offense concerning the animal in question, that he shall pay to the Borough Secretary, within 72 hours of mailing or
delivery of written notice to him, a penalty of $25. After the expiration of such 72 hours, or without such notice, if it is a
second offense with regard to the animal in question, the owner shall be liable for a fine of not less than $25 nor
more than $1,000, in addition to costs of prosecution, to be collected in the same manner as fines and penalties
are now collected.
B. Any licensed animal running at large that is picked up by the animal catcher or by Borough Police shall be
housed and fed, with the owner notified, if it is a first offense concerning the animal in question, that (s)he may
claim the animal within 72 hours of mailing or delivery of written notice to him/her by paying to the Borough
Secretary a penalty of $25, plus all reasonable expenses incurred by reason of the detention. After the expiration of
72 hours, or without such notice, if it is a second offense with regard to the animal in question, the fines set forth in
Subsection A shall apply, in addition to all reasonable expenses incurred by reason of detention of said animal,
and in addition to the cost of prosecution, to be collected in the same manner fines and penalties are now collected.
§ 40-15. Disposal of unclaimed and improperly licensed, unlicensed or licensed animals. [Amended 4-27-1992
by Ord. No, 92-2]
A. Improperly licensed or unlicensed animals that are seized are to be held in a licensed kennel and fed for 48
hours. If said animal is not claimed, it may be destroyed in a humane manner in accordance with the Dog Law of
1982, Act of December 1, 1982, P.L. 784; 3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq., and all amendments thereto.
B. Licensed dogs that are seized are to be held in a licensed kennel and fed. The Norwood Borough Police
Department shall immediately send notice by certified mail, return receipt requested to the person in whose name
the license was procured, or his agent, to claim such animal within five days after receipt thereof. If, five days after
obtaining the postal return receipt, such animal has not been claimed, the animal shall be disposed of by sale or
by destruction in some humane manner.
C. The owner or claimant of an animal so detained shall pay a penalty of $25 to the Borough of Norwood and all
reasonable expenses incurred by reason of its detention to detaining parties before the animal is returned.
§ 40-16. Repealer.
All other ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
ARTICLE IV, Dangerous Animals [Adopted 4-27-1992 as part of Ord. No. 92-2EN<1>]
§ 40-23. Attack-trained animals.
A. Attack-trained animals are a potential hazard to the community. These animals are not pets and under no
circumstances will be permitted loose upon the Borough. It will be the duty of a police officer to destroy any loose
animal he has reason to believe is an attack-trained animal.
B. Attack-trained animals must be confined in a secure building. When the animal is to be used to prowl an exterior
area, that area must be securely fenced by a cyclone-type fence or fence of similar confinement at least eight feet in
height.
C. If it becomes necessary to transport an attack-trained animal outside of the secured compound, said animal
must be securely leashed and muzzled, except where it is deemed necessary in the performance of police duties
for the protection of the community.
§ 40-24. Pit bulls considered dangerous.
Pit bulls are considered dangerous animals and potentially hazardous to the community. Pit bulls shall at no time
or under any circumstances be permitted to run loose in or upon the Borough of Norwood. Any pit bull running
loose in or upon the Borough of Norwood shall be subject to restraint, confinement, impoundment and/or
destruction by any, police officer or any other authorized person from the Borough of Norwood. It shall be the duty of
any Borough police officer or other authorized personnel of the Borough to take whatever action is necessary under
the circumstances to properly secure and restrain any loose pit bull, including the immediate destruction of the dog,
and they are hereby authorized to do so.
§ 40-25. Registering of pit bulls; bond.
A. No person shall own, keep or harbor any pit bull over six months of age in any household, residence or any
property whatsoever within the Borough of Norwood without first registering the pit bull with the Borough of Norwood.
B. A pit bull shall be registered with the Borough Secretary and the following information provided to the Borough:
(1) The name of applicant.
(2) The name of the owners of the pit bull if different from the applicant.
(3) The address where the pit bull will be kept.
(4) The number of pit bulls to be kept or housed on the premises.
(5) The exact location on the property where the pit bulls will be kept.
(6) The method to be used to secure or restrain the pit bulls on the property.
(7) The name of the person who will be responsible for the care and confinement of the pit bulls.
(8) Any other information requested by the Borough.
C. If the applicant, owner or other person responsible for any pit bull kept within the Borough violates any provision
of this article or part of any other applicable code, statute or regulation, then permission to keep a pit bull in the
Borough of Norwood shall be automatically revoked.
D. Any person who owns, keeps or harbors a pit bull must post a bond of $20,000 with the Borough of Norwood to
insure payment of any damages or injuries which might be caused by said pit bull. Proof of said bond shall be
provided to the Borough Secretary.
§ 40-26. Confinement of pit bulls.
A. All pit bulls must be confined in a secured building or enclosure.
B. Pit bulls may not be kept, housed or harbored in an exterior yard unless they are securely leashed and muzzled
at all times.
C. All entrances to and exits from a property where a pit bull is confined must post a warning sign, the size and type
of which must be approved by the Borough of Norwood.
D. Any pit bull which is taken off or removed from its area of confinement into or upon the Borough of Norwood must
be kept securely leashed and muzzled at all times.
§ 40-27. Destruction of pit bulls.
Any pit bull which bites or attacks a person for any reason must be destroyed at the owner's expense or
permanently removed from the Borough of Norwood. If said pit bull is not removed from the Borough of Norwood or
destroyed, it shall be subject to seizure and/or destruction by the Borough or its duly authorized person or persons
within three days after the attack.
§ 40-28. Violations and penalties.
A. Any person who shall violate any provision of this part shall, upon conviction thereof, be
sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding $1,000 and costs, or in default of payments thereof, shall be subject to
imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation of this part continues shall constitute a
separate offense.
B. In addition, any person violating the provisions of this part shall be subject to the following:
(1) Forfeiture of their bond.
(2) Revocation of permission to keep a pit bull in the Borough of Norwood.
(3) Prohibition from obtaining permission to keep another pit bull for up to five years.
Be it ordained and enacted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Norwood, Delaware County and State of
Pennsylvania:
§ 83A-1. Trapping restricted.
No person shall, at any time, maintain on his premises, set or use a trap of any kind designed or intended to take,
hold, capture or kill any animal or bird, within the limits of the Borough of Norwood, except as hereinafter specifically
permitted.
§ 83A-2. Cage-type traps permitted.
Whenever any animal or fowl is required to be captured alive, either because the animal or fowl is injured and
requires treatment or because said animal or fowl has become a nuisance or menace either to individual residents
or the community, in general a cage-type trap, also commonly called a cage trap. cage-door trap or live trap,
designed to capture animals alive, may be used.
§ 83A-3. Violations and penalties.
Any person or persons, partnership or corporation who shall violate any provision of this ordinance shall, upon
conviction thereof before a Justice of the Peace or District Justice, be subject to a fine of not more than $25 for each
offense, plus costs of prosecution, and in default of same, commitment to the county jail for a period not to exceed
30 days.
§ 83A-4. Repealer.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith be and they are hereby repealed.
Delaware County Animal Control
Borough Animal ordinances