West Cape May Introduces Law to Regulate Dog Pens, Doghouses
www.pressofatlanticcity.com
By RICHARD DEGENER Staff Writer
February 9, 2005, WEST CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY - Man's best friend will be guaranteed better quarters and care under an ordinance Borough Commission is considering.
The ordinance, which is set for a public hearing and vote March 1, would require dog pens to be a certain size and all enclosures to have a properly maintained doghouse. The doghouse must contain bedding, such as straw, and adequate insulation to protect against the cold.
These are just a couple of highlights in an ordinance that was spurred by the death of a boxer named Joe that froze to death last year in Middle Township. The death of Joe resulted in animal-welfare groups lobbying for stronger laws. If the commission adopts the ordinance, the borough would become the eighth of Cape May County's 16 municipalities to pass stricter laws.
"The commissioners were all very receptive, all three of them. It's terrific," said Charlotte Anderson, a local resident who lobbied for the ordinance.
Joe had been chained to a tree when he froze to death, and some towns have limited the hours in a day a dog can be chained. Lower Township, for example, responded by only allowing chaining for nine hours in a 24-hour period. West Cape May's proposed ordinance does not regulate how long a dog can be chained, but it does regulate the type of tether, how long it must be, collars connected to it, and harnesses.
Anderson said the eight towns have all adopted variations on a model ordinance pushed by a coalition of seven animal-welfare organizations. Even without the hourly restrictions, Anderson said the ordinance is a big step.
"We'd like to have more, but we're reasonable," Anderson said.
The group has supplied dog-attack statistics and approached the issue as one of pubic safety along with the obvious goal of treating animals humanely. A dog that is treated well is less likely to attack.
Commissioner Kevin Lare said the ordinance helps enforcement efforts.
"It gives our police and animal-control officer something to enforce, should there be inhumane treatment of dogs," Lare said.
The measure would require pens that are at least 4 feet high and 64 square feet for one dog; 90 for two dogs; 144 for three dogs; and 196 for four dogs. Each additional dog would require another 24 square feet of space.
Dogs must be able to move freely even when chained or tethered. The chain or tether must be at least 15 feet long. A doghouse is also required.
The ordinance also requires a certain level of care. It requires dogs to have food and water as well as necessary veterinary care. It specifies that dogs cannot be subjected to suffering, cruelty or "prolonged fear, injury, pain or physical abuse." It says interaction with humans and other animals should not be "unreasonably withheld."
The ordinance also requires motorists who hit a dog or a cat to stop and render assistance. They also must report the incident to police.
Violations of the ordinance would bring a fine not to exceed $200 for the first offense, but this could escalate to $500 and 90 days in jail for continued offenses.
