CHAPTER 2 – ANIMALS
Chapter 2: Animals — Ebensburg Borough Ordinances
This chapter outlines rules and penalties for animal ownership, primarily focusing on dogs and livestock/fowls.
Part 1: Dogs
§2-101. Running at Large Prohibited
It is illegal to let any dog run freely in the Borough without being under control. Violators risk seizure, detention, and disposal of the dog per state law (Dog Law of 1982).
§2-102. Disturbing the Peace Prohibited
No one may own or keep an animal that makes continuous noise for 10+ minutes, or intermittent noise for 30+ minutes, disturbing others — even if the animal is on private property. This applies day or night.
§2-103. Warnings to Owners of Disturbing Dogs
- Anyone can request police to warn a dog owner whose pet barks/howls loudly and disturbs neighbors.
- The request must be in writing, identifying both the complainant and the dog’s owner/residence.
- Police will mail a copy of this ordinance to the cited owner.
- A violation occurs only after a second or later offense following delivery of the warning.
§2-104. Injury to Humans
It is unlawful for a dog owner to allow their dog to injure a human by biting, jumping on, knocking down, or attacking them.
§2-105. Nuisances
Dog owners must not allow their dogs to soil, defile, or create a nuisance on:
- Public areas (streets, sidewalks, parks, etc. )
- Private property without the owner’s permission
Exception: Dogs may be curbed between curb lines if the owner immediately cleans up feces using sanitary methods and disposes of them properly.
§2-106. Number of Dogs Limited
No more than four dogs aged 6 months or older may be kept on any premises — unless the property has a kennel license under state law.
§2-107. Unlawful to Allow Dogs to Run at Large
Owners must keep dogs confined or secured so they cannot roam free. A dog is considered “running at large” if:
- It’s off its owner’s property and not on a leash ≤6 feet long held by someone who can control it (except during training classes/trials/exhibitions).
- It’s left unattended on a leash tied to something public (tree, signpost, etc. ) where the owner isn’t nearby to control it.
§2-108. Violations and Penalties
Violating any part of this section results in:
- A fine up to $600 plus costs
- Up to 30 days imprisonment if fines aren’t paid
- Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense
Part 2: Animals (Livestock & Fowls)
§2-101. Permission Required to Harbor; Conditions; Revocation
No person, firm, or corporation may keep livestock or fowls in the Borough without special permission from the Borough Council.
“Livestock” includes: horses, donkeys, mules, ponies, cattle, sheep, pigs, hogs, llamas, and alpacas.
Permission may be granted if the Council determines keeping these animals won’t cause annoyance or health hazards. Conditions may include:
- Limits on number and type of animals
- Type, location, and design of shelter/pen
- Sanitary standards to follow
- Any other factors the Council deems relevant
The Council may revoke permission at any time, with or without cause. If revoked, the holder must stop keeping livestock/fowls within 30 days.
§2-102. Violations and Penalties
Violating this part results in:
- A fine between $10 and $600 plus costs
- Up to 30 days imprisonment if fines aren’t paid
- Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense
Key Dates & Amendments
All sections were originally enacted via Ordinance 380 on November 24, 1980, with subsequent amendments:
- §2-101 amended by Ord. 494 (Nov 27, 2000)
- §2-102 amended by Ord. 518 (Aug 23, 2004)
- §2-103 amended by Ord. 455 (Oct 28, 1996)
- §2-106 amended by Ord. 494 (Nov 27, 2000)
- §2-107 amended by Ord. 614 (Sep 22, 2014)
- §2-108 amended by Ord. 424 (Aug 3, 1993) and Ord. 494 (Nov 27, 2000)
- §2-201 amended by Ord. 518 (Aug 23, 2004)
- §2-202 amended by Ord. 424 (Aug 3, 1993), Ord. 455 (Oct 28, 1996), and Ord. 494 (Nov 27, 2000)
Summary for Residents
- You can’t let your dog roam free — it must be leashed or confined.
- No noisy pets — especially those barking continuously or intermittently for long periods.
- Clean up after your dog everywhere — including sidewalks and parks.
- Max 4 adult dogs per household unless you have a licensed kennel.
- To keep livestock or fowls, you need explicit approval from the Borough Council — and must follow strict conditions.
- Fines start at $10 for livestock violations, go up to $600 for dog-related offenses — plus possible jail time if unpaid.
- Every day a rule is broken counts as a new offense — so fix problems quickly!