By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
Dogs and cats, even indoor felines, must be licensed with the town or pet owners will receive fines and eventually a mandatory court appearance.
The township plans to increase its fine $3 for unlicensed cats and dogs as per an amended ordinance introduced in a 5-0 vote at Monday night’s Township Committee meeting. The ordinance would also reduce the penalty for a first offense from a court appearance to a warning and a fine.
A second reading and public hearing on the amended ordinance is scheduled for the committee’s Oct. 12 meeting.
The township’s Board of Health recently surveyed neighboring municipalities and decided dog and cat licensing fees in Cranbury need to be increased. The board also made the recommendation for the change in the violation and penalty section of the ordinance.
The proposed ordinance would result in a spayed/neutered dog license fee of $10 and a non-spayed/neutered dog license fee of $13. A dog license obtained after Jan. 31 would cost an extra $5 in late fees plus $1 per month for each month delinquent.
However, according to the proposed ordinance, any person who has not obtained a dog license by March 1 would receive a first offense violation summons from the Board of Health officer with a fine of $50. If a license has not been obtained by April 1, a second violation summons would be issued with a mandatory court appearance and a fine of no less than $75 and no more than $150.
Township Committeewoman Susan Goetz said licensing is important due to concerns about rabies. She added that licensing cats is important because even cats that are never supposed to leave the house can escape and often can’t be identified or returned if they are unlicensed.
