Animals are allowed in Thomas Township by zoning district as follows:

Class I Animals (Pets):

Zoning Districts Allowed:  All zoning districts.

Definition:  Domesticated animals which are not Class II, III, IV or V animals and which are customarily considered household pets kept inside of the house with no exterior pens or hold areas.

Examples:  Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, etc.

Class II Animals (Livestock):

Zoning Districts Allowed:  A-1, A-2 and E-1 zoning districts provided that the following guidelines are met:  (a)  General accepted Agricultural Management Practice for the Care of Farm Animals;  (b) General accepted Agricultural Practices for Manure Management and Utilization; and (c)  A minimum of two (2) acres of land on one parcel is required for the first animal with an additional one (1) acre required per additional animal provided that they do not create a public nuisance.

Definition:  An animal which is normally part of the livestock maintained on a farm.

Examples:  Bovine (cow); Equine (horse); Swine (hog); Ovine (goat) and other animals weighing equal to or greater than seventy-five (75) pounds and not otherwise specifically included in Class II.

Class III Animals (Other Animals):

Zoning Districts Allowed:  A-1, A-2 and E-1 zoning districts with a minimum of one (1) acre of land area provided that they do not create a public nuisance and provided that the following guidelines are met:  (a)  Generally accepted Agricultural Management Practice for the Care of Farm Animals;  (b)  General Accepted Agricultural Practices for Manure Management and Utilization.

Examples:  Rabbits which are not maintained or kept as domesticated household pets, animals considered as poultry and other animals weighing less than seventy-five (75) pounds not specifically mentioned in this ordinance.

Class IV Animals (Wild or Exotic Animals):

Zoning Districts Allowed:  May not be maintained in any zoning district unless they are completely confined within the same house of the residence.  No animal may be brought outdoors except for disposal.  These animals must be maintained in compliance with all Federal, State and County laws and shall not create a public nuisance.

Examples:  Wild or undomesticated animals which are not of a species customarily used as an ordinary household pet, but one which would ordinarily be found in the wilderness of this or any other country.  Such animals weighing less than one hundred (100) pounds and would not cause a reasonable person to be fearful of bodily harm or property damage.

Class V Animals (Dangerous Animals):

Zoning Districts Allowed:  May not be maintained anywhere within the Township.

Examples:  Wild or undomesticated animals which are not a species customarily used as an ordinary household pet, but one which would ordinarily be confined to a zoo or one which would ordinarily be found in the wilderness of this or any other country.  Such animals would cause a reasonable person to be fearful of bodily harm of property damage.