Code requires cat owners to secure licenses for pets
BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer

MANALAPAN - It used to be that when a dog wandered into someone's yard, that person would call the local animal control officer to the scene.

However, according to Manalapan health officer David Richardson, if it was a cat that wandered into the yard, people would either ignore the animal or adopt it if it stayed around.

"They assume it's a neighborhood cat so they either ignore it or feed it," Richardson said.

But the health officer said given that feral or wild cats are becoming a cause for concern these days, more people are now calling the local animal control officer to report wandering cats just as they have always done about loose dogs.

"Now it seems people have less tolerance for wandering cats. We put together an ordinance that realizes cats are now outdoors," he said.

Richardson said although Manalapan has had a licensing requirement for cats in place since 1991, enforcement has not been as tight with cats as it has been with dogs and therefore cats have had "free rein."

He said that is why he asked municipal officials to tighten upManalapan's animal control ordinance, so that cats, like dogs, will come under tighter control.

Such an ordinance was unanimously adopted by the Township Committee on Dec. 12.

"The new ordinance puts more of an onus on (cat) owners to take control and responsibility for their cats," Richardson said.

Licensing fees will be the same for dogs and cats. A license for a nonneutered animal will cost $15 and a license for a neutered pet will cost $12.

Three or more animals will have a different cost.

Cats, regardless of whether they are neutered or not, will cost an additional $4 each.Additional neutered dogs will cost $4 and additional nonneutered dogs will cost $7.

Richardson said he may look to have the Township Committee amend the ordinance in the future to allow for pets to be relicensed on their anniversary licensing date and not the calendar year.

According to Richardson, it costs Manalapan $100 per cat to take a cat that has been found running loose to the regional kennel. If the owner does not ask for the cat to be returned the cost falls to the township.

A dog found to be running loose costs $70 to take to the kennel, according to Richardson.

Richardson said he also decided to revisit the licensing ordinance since the state lifted a previous cap on what towns were permitted to charge for dog licenses. It was the first raise in 15 years.

According to Richardson, Manalapan spends about $55,000 per year in animal control costs, with $20,000 being provided for in the municipal budget.