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CD18:32
Supp. No. 9
DIVISION 5.
PET WASTE
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State Law References
: nuisances and public health generally, 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.
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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 citizens 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 waster 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,