Summit Hill Borough Council plans to update its ordinance regulating dogs, cats and other animals.

The ordinance calls for stiff fines for pet owners who allow their animals to run at large or who allow their pets to defecate on anyone else’s property. Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,000.

The proposal also will mandate licenses for pet cats over 7 months of age and require that all cats, with few exceptions, be vaccinated for rabies. The exception is if the pet owner obtains a veterinarian’s certificate “stating that because of an infirmity or other physical condition, the inoculation of such cat is not medically appropriate.”

Licensing must occur within 10 days of owning or harboring the cat.

The ordinance will require that the borough hire an animal humane officer for enforcement.

Not only does the ordinance prevent pet owners from letting the animals run loose off the premises, but it also makes it illegal for an owner to allow a “dog to habitually or frequently howl, bark, screech, yelp or make any other disturbing noises which disrupt the peaceful enjoyment of the neighborhood.”

It specifies that continuous noise by the animal for a period of 10 minutes, or the making of such noise intermittently for a half-hour or more, shall be a violation.

Pets, according to the ordinance, must be kept under sanitary and humane conditions. Abandonment by an owner is a violation of the ordinance.

The provisions declare that no one can “injure or kill any other dog, cat or household pet” except in the case of self-defense.

Regarding cats, the pet is required to wear a collar with the license. In addition, the cat must be spayed or neutered for the licensing to occur.

The council agreed to advertise the ordinance for adoption and to advertise for the appointment of an animal control officer.

In other business

• The council heard plans for a marathon race to be run through eight boroughs of Carbon County - including Summit Hill - in early August. Jake Martinez, owner of Athletic Events in Carbon County, is coordinating the event and said he is hoping to utilize Ludlow Park as an aid station.

• Pastor Marjorie Keiter of St. John’s-St. Paul’s Church was given permission to use the gazebo for a Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24. The rain date is Dec. 26.

• The Diligence Fire Company was given permission to hold a dart tournament on Jan. 29 in the Hilltop Community Center.

• The fire company was also granted permission to hold a food truck festival on May 28 around Ludlow Park.

• The monthly report from the Summit Hill Police Department indicated 364 calls were handled, there were six traffic citations issued, seven nontraffic citations and five criminal arrests.

The police handled one child abuse case, made one arrest for a rape and aggravated indecent assault and handled four fight calls at the Panther Valley Junior/Senior High School, with six students cited.