Morrisville Code of Ordinances - publishing_20231101

DIVISION 5.

PET WASTE

__________ State Law References : public health, G.S. 130A-1 et seq.; authority to prohibit or regulate detrimental to health, safety or welfare of citizens. G.S. 130A-19, 153A-140, 160A-174(a), 160A-176, 160A-193; solid waste management generally, G.S. 130A-290 et seq.; authority to regulate disposal of garbage and trash, G.S. 160A-303.1. ____________

Sec. 18-201. Purpose.

It is the finding of the Town of Morrisville that pet solid waste is a serious water quality and public health issue for the community. Stormwater runoff washes bacteria, parasites, viruses and nutrients from pet waste directly into our waterways. Poor water quality caused by pet waste can cause recreational swimming advisories, algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen levels, and impaired aquatic habitat. Fecal coli form bacteria, found in the feces of warm-blooded animals, can indicate that water is unsafe for human contact like fishing, swimming, and drinking. A strong pet waste ordinance encourages residents and visitors to be responsible for cleaning up their pet’s waster in order to keep our waterways clean and safeguard public health. As such, an ordinance to institute requirements for the proper disposal of pet solid waste in the Town of Morrisville, so as to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply has been established.

Sec. 18-202. Definitions

For the purpose of this ordinance, the following terms, phrases and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this Chapter clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word “shall” is always mandatory and not merely directory.

Immediate . Shall mean that the pet solid waste is removed at once, without delay.

Owner/Keeper . Any person who shall possess, maintain, house or harbor any pet or otherwise have custody of any pet, whether or not the owner of such pet.

Person . Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject to municipal jurisdiction.

Pet . A domesticated animal (other than a disability assistance animal) kept for amusement or companionship.

Pet solid waste . Waste matter expelled from the bowels of the pet; excrement.

Proper disposal . Placement in a designated waste receptacle, or other suitable container, and discarded in a refuse container which is regularly emptied by the municipality or some other

CD18:34

Supp. No. 10