Hollidaysburg

Pennsylvania

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Chapter 02: Animals

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Chapter 2: Animals — Summary of Ordinance Provisions (Hollidaysburg, PA)

This document outlines municipal regulations governing animal control and nuisance prevention in the Borough of Hollidaysburg. It is organized into three parts:

Part 1: Animals Running at Large

A. Dogs

  • §101 Definitions:

    • Owner: Any person with property rights or custody of a dog, or who permits a dog on their property.
    • Running at Large: A dog on public land or another’s private property without being under the owner’s or custodian’s control.

  • §102 Unlawful to Allow Dogs to Run at Large:
    It is illegal for any dog owner to allow their dogs to roam freely within Hollidaysburg.

  • §103 Dog Law Enforcement Officer:
    The Borough Council appoints a dedicated officer to enforce dog laws.

  • §104 Seizing of Dogs:
    Police or dog wardens may seize dogs found running at large and impound them in licensed kennels.

  • §105 Licensed Dogs / §106 Unlicensed Dogs:
    Regulations distinguish between licensed and unlicensed dogs (details not fully shown).

  • §107 Threatening Dogs:
    Addresses dogs that pose a threat (specifics not detailed here).

  • §108 Penalty:
    Penalties for violations are specified elsewhere in this section.

B. Cats

  • §121 Unlawful to Allow Cats to Become Nuisances:
    Cat owners must prevent their pets from becoming nuisances.

  • §122 Nuisance Defined:
    Defines what constitutes a cat nuisance (not fully detailed here).

  • §123 Authority to Pick Up and Destroy:
    Authorities may remove and destroy nuisance cats.

  • §124 Penalties / §125 Cost of Maintenance:
    Financial penalties and costs associated with cat-related violations.

Part 2: Noise Nuisances

  • §201 Intent and Purpose:
    Establishes the goal of regulating noise disturbances.

  • §202 Noise Disturbance:
    Defines prohibited noisy behavior (details not fully shown).

  • §203 Exceptions:
    Lists situations where noise rules do not apply.

  • §204 Penalties:
    Specifies fines or other consequences for violating noise ordinances.

Part 3: Maintenance Requirements

  • §301 Keeping of Fowls Regulated:
    Rules govern keeping chickens or other fowl.

  • §302 Keeping of Pigs and Maintenance of Pig Pens Prohibited:
    Keeping pigs is banned; maintaining pig pens is also prohibited.

  • §303 Maintenance of Large Animals:
    Standards for caring for large animals (e.g., horses, livestock).

  • §304 Control of Animal Defecation on Public or Private Property:

    • Owners must prevent animals from defecating in public areas, sidewalks, driveways, parks, or private property (except their own).
    • Violators must immediately clean up waste and either:
      • Carry it away for toilet disposal, or
      • Place it in a non-leaking container for trash/litter receptacle.
    • Exemptions: Guide dogs assisting blind persons or service dogs for physically handicapped individuals.

  • §305 Penalties:

    • Fines up to $600 and/or imprisonment up to 30 days per violation.
    • Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Historical Notes

Several sections reference prior ordinances:

  • Original adoption: Ordinance 275, April 9, 1956
  • Revisions: Ordinance 626, April 13, 1987
  • Additional amendments: Ordinance 438 (June 6, 1966), Ordinance 551 (November 8, 1976), Ordinance 633 (February 8, 1988), Ordinance 640 (April 10, 1989)

Residents should note that failure to comply with these rules — especially regarding dog containment, cat nuisance behavior, noise levels, and animal waste cleanup — can result in significant fines and potential jail time. Service animals are exempt from certain defecation rules.

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