2840-24 Dog Park Rules and Regulations Ordinance (2.21.24).pdf

1 2840-24 AN ORDINANCE SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 10 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE AND ESTABLISHING CHAPTER 10, SECTION 16 FOR REGULATION OF TOWNSHIP DOG PARKS (DOG PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS) BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY that Chapter 10 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of West Orange be and are hereby amended and supplemented with the newly established Chapter 10, Section 16 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of West Orange, which establishes a Chapter dedicated to the rules and regulations to be enforced regarding dog parks located in the Township of West Orange, and shall state as follows: § 10-16.1—Title This Section shall be known as the “Dog Park Rules and Regulations.” § 10-16.2— Findings and Purpose The purpose of this Ordinance is to ensure the health and safety of those who use any dog park located in the Township of West Orange and to prescribe a set of rules and regulations. The standards and procedures established by this Section are intended to promote safe use of dog parks located in the Township of West Orange. § 10-16.3—Definitions All other definitions outlined in Chapter 10 of the Township of West Orange Municipal Code are incorporated by reference herein. The following additional definitions are incorporated in this Section: DESIGNATED AREA — The Township of West Orange Dog Park located on Executive Drive. OFFICER—The Township of West Orange Animal Control Officer, or any agent, employee, or assignee of the Township of West Orange Department of Health. § 10-16.4—Rules and Regulations The following rules and regulations shall apply to the Designated Area: 1. Use at your own risk. Dog owners are responsible and liable for the actions and behavior of their dogs at all times.

2 2. Dog owners must certify that their homeowner's/renter's insurance has liability coverage. 3. All dogs must have current rabies, distemper and parvo vaccinations. It is recommended that dogs be on a flea and heartworm preventive medication. 4. Do not bring a dog that is ill. 5. All dogs must wear a valid license and a West Orange Dog Park pass. 6. Dog owners must contact the West Orange Health Department to apply for a Dog Park pass. 7. Dog park passes are not transferable to other dogs. 8. There is a limit of two dogs per adult. 9. Dogs must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older at all times. 10. Dogs must be kept on leash until inside the gated area. 11. No spiked, pronged or choke collars allowed on dogs once inside the dog run. 12. No puppies younger than four months old. 13. No children under age 10 allowed inside the Designated Area unless accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. 14. Owners are required to clean up after their dog. 15. Dogs must be removed from park at first sign of aggression. 16. Female dogs must be spayed and male dogs must be neutered. 17. No food allowed (except water in plastic bottles). 18. The small dog park is limited to dogs weighing 25 pounds or lighter. The large dog park is open to dogs of all sizes. 19. The park may be closed for maintenance without prior notice. 20. No smoking allowed. 21. The hours of operation shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.

3 22. Any person who fails to comply with the rules and regulations contained in this article may receive a summons to court. 23. Upon receipt of formal written documentation, any dog that has bitten or has shown aggressive behavior towards a person or another dog on the premises of the dog park may, at the discretion of the Officer, have their dog park pass, subject to immediate and permanent revocation. Should the dog park pass be revoked, a letter will be sent to the dog owner advising them of such, and the owner shall return their dog park tag(s) to the Township of West Orange Health Department within fourteen (14) days. 24. Any incident regarding a dog injuring either another dog or a person shall be immediately reported to the Officer, Township of West Orange Department of Health, and Township Police Department. § 10-16.5: Dog Park Passes 1. Dog park passes must be renewed annually and expire on the last day of December each year. 2. No person shall be issued a dog park pass and/or be allowed to renew their dog park pass without acknowledging and executing the release of liability form. The release of liability form will be provided by the Officer and/or Township of West Orange Department of Health upon request. 3. No refund will be made on any dog park pass before the expiration of that pass, or any entry fee, due to the death of the dog, removal from the Township of the dog, or the revocation of the dog park pass of the dog by the Township of West Orange Health Department and/or the Officer. 4. The fees for the Township of West Orange dog park pass shall be an amount set forth by Resolution at the approval of the Township Council. § 10-16.6: Fines and Penalties for Violations Any person, firm, business, or other entity violating any of the provisions of Chapter 10, Section 16 et seq. of the Township of West Orange Municipal Code shall be subject to such penalties as provided for in Chapter 1, Section 5 et seq. of the Township of West Orange Municipal Code. § 10-16.7: Severability, Repeal of Inconsistent Ordinances, and Effective Date Any and all parts of ordinances which are inconsistent with any of the terms and provisions of this section be and the same are hereby repealed as to and to the extent of such inconsistency.

4 Any and all parts of ordinances which are inconsistent with any of the terms and provisions of this section be and the same are hereby repealed as to and to the extent of such inconsistency. This section shall take effect upon final passage and publication as required by law. SUSAN MCCARTNEY, MAYOR BILL RUTHERFORD, COUNCIL PRESIDENT KAREN J. CARNEVALE, R.M.C. MUNICIPAL CLERK INTRODUCED: February 27, 2024 ADOPTED: March 12, 2025

5 Legislative History The purpose of this Ordinance is to ensure the health and safety of those who use any dog park located in the Township of West Orange and to prescribe a set of rules and regulations. The standards and procedures established by this Section are intended to promote safe use of dog parks located in the Township of West Orange.