Ho-Ho-Kus
March 2, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9
Proposal would prohibit ‘excessive’ numbers of pets
by Jennifer Crusco At the behest of Animal Control Officer Carol Tyler, the Ho-Ho-Kus Council last week introduced an ordinance that would prohibit homeowners from keeping “excessive” numbers of cats and dogs. Tyler recommended the ordinance earlier this year, noting that she has found an increasing number of instances in which people are keeping multiple animals, but not all of those animals have been spayed or neutered, and not all of them are in good health. As introduced last week, Ordinance 984 would limit persons in single-family residences to keeping more than a total of four cats and/or dogs over the age of six months. Those in multi-family residences would not be permitted to keep more than a total of three cats and/or dogs over the age of six months. These limits include any and all accessory structures on a given property. Several exceptions are included in the proposed measure. Licensed kennels, pet shops, shelters, and pounds would not be subject to the limitations expressed in the ordinance. Those who exceed the allowable number of pets due to the recent birth of a litter of cats or dogs would be allowed to apply for a 90-day waiver, after which time the owner of the animals would be required to comply with the ordinance. Only one litter of offspring would be permitted on a property at any time. “Individuals exceeding the allowable number of cats and/or dogs at the time of the enactment of this ordinance may be permitted, in the discretion of the board of health, to retain said cats and/or dogs for a period of no longer than 90 days from the date of enactment of this ordinance in order to provide an opportunity to find alternative placement for said animals,” the ordinance states. “Any individual granted a waiver of the allowable number of pets under this section shall be required to show diligent efforts to find alternative placement for the excess animals. Upon the expiration of any temporary waiver granted pursuant to this section, the owner shall be required to comply with the limitations stated in this ordinance.” The document also states that in extraordinary situations where strict enforcement of the pet limit would constitute a hardship for the pet owner, the individual could apply to the Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Health for a pet limit waiver, not to exceed two additional animals. In those cases, the board of health would consider various factors, including whether the animals are being kept on the property (as opposed to being allowed to run freely outside the residence and grounds). The board would also consider if the animals are being kept for a commercial purpose, if they create a health risk for humans or other animals in the residence, and if the additional animals degrade the environment for the surrounding residences. The board would also ascertain whether the animals have been properly vaccinated; if there is an adequate tick, flea, or vermin control program in place; and ensure that the animals are not being kept for breeding purposes. “All holders of a pet limit waiver shall submit to inspection by the borough health officer or designated representative periodically, but in no event less than once per year,” the ordinance states. “Repeated refusal to permit inspec-
tion by the health officer shall result in the immediate revocation of the waiver.” Violations would subject the offending party to a fine of $250 for each offense, with each day the violation continues constituting a separate offense. A public hearing on this ordinance will be held at the March 15 council session. The measure will also be considered for final adoption at that time. Ho-Ho-Kus is one of the few municipalities in the area that does not have a limit on the number of pets that can be kept in any given household. Tyler previously noted that Montvale’s limit is four total pets, Upper Saddle River’s limit is five, Ramsey’s is five, and Park Ridge’s is seven. She added that Allendale, Saddle River, Ridgewood, and Washington Township also have ordinances in place to limit the number of pets that may be kept.
Police recognized for excellence
At a recent AAA North Jersey Community Traffic Safety Luncheon, Ho-Ho-Kus officials were presented with an AAA Award of Merit. The award is presented to communities for their outstanding traffic safety program activities. The Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department routinely conducts aggressive driving, DWI, and seat belt checkpoints on their roadways in addition to bicycle safety, ‘Otto the Auto’ and Halloween safety programs for school children. Pictured: Ho-Ho-Kus Sergeant Christopher Minchin, Mayor Thomas Randall, AAA North Jersey Vice President James Dobi and Captain John Wanamaker.
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