Summit Hill Council hears animal complaints

Animal concerns were discussed Monday during a meeting of Summit Hill Borough Council.

Borough resident David Hiles suggested the borough should have an ordinance dealing with pets.

Councilman David Wargo said an Animal Control Ordinance was passed in 2005, but the specifics of it weren’t known.

Wargo said it addresses dogs, cats, exotic animals and animal feces.

Hiles said a resident on Fell Street had a pet python that got loose. He said he was told the python hasn’t been located and its owner already has another one.

He also said he was informed a resident on Holland Street has bedbugs. This residence has multiple animals in backyard pens.

In other animal situation, Hiles said a landlord called zoning officer Danny Matika and asked about the borough’s animal policy because a tenant who wants to move into a twin has eight dogs and three cats.

Borough resident Matthew Catino said dog owners are not cleaning up the waste of their pets in the borough.

He said even at a school bus stop, there is dog feces on the sidewalk.

He told of one instance where a dog being walked defecated on a property, the property owner called the owner’s attention to it and the dog owner became belligerent and refused to clean it up.

He suggested signs be placed in the borough letting dog owners know there is a fine for not cleaning up after a pet dog.

In an unrelated matter brought up by Catino, he asked the council to crack down on people who pick up scrap metal when it is put out for garbage.

He said there was an instance where scrappers went onto private property and took something. He said he also is concerned about stolen bicycles.

Fittos said if anyone enters private property, it is considered trespassing.