Police Department

Soliciting and Canvassing

HOMEOWNERS: Recent Supreme Court and District Court decisions have changed the way solicitors may conduct business. The Township has updated the Solicitation Ordinance (No. 1187 & No. 1236) to include these rulings. Now individuals who solicit door-to-door for charitable, religious or political groups are no longer required to obtain a permit from the Township. All individuals who solicit door-to-door for commercial purposes must still obtain a permit.

The courts have also ruled that to ensure no solicitors come to your door, it is now necessary to place a sign on your property. The sign should simply read NO SOLICITORS and be placed on your door or in a window.

Although for profit solicitors and canvassers have constitutional rights to conduct business in the Township, residents also have the right to keep these individuals from visiting their homes. Residents who do not wish to be solicited or canvassed by commercial solicitors may complete a No Soliciting and Canvassing Form at the Township Police office. The form may also be downloaded here and mailed to or dropped off at the Police office. A list of all properties where solicitors and canvassers are not welcome is given to all individuals or groups obtaining a solicitation permit from the Township. If you are visited by a solicitor and have filed such a form, notify the Police Department. In all circumstances, citizens are urged to ask solicitors to present their permits.

SOLICITORS/CANVASSERS: Pursuant to the provisions of O'Hara Township Ordinance No. 1187 & No. 1236, as amended, Solicitors/Canvassers must apply for a Canvassers and Solicitors Registration Certificate. Solicitors or canvassers must complete a Canvassers and Solicitors Registration Application available at the Township Police office. The form may also be downloaded here for completion and submission to the Police Department.

Animal Control

Residents may call the Township of O'Hara Police Department at (412) 782-1403 to request pick up of any animal such as dogs, cats, or wild animals. Residents may also register a complaint for animals which are barking/howling, running loose, etc.

The Township of O'Hara is under contract with Hoffman Kennels (724-468-5505) to: collect and capture dogs running at large, hold licensed dogs for a period of five days after capture, after having notified the owner by certified mail, feed and water all dogs while in custody; hold all stray dogs, unlicensed and of good health for a period of 48 hours after which time said dogs will be placed or humanely destroyed, and to answer and respond to all calls including calls referring to road killed animals. All felines and wild animals, under the State Game Warden's jurisdiction and requested to be collected, must be authorized by the Chief of Police.

Hoffman Kennels is to notify owners of licensed animals by certified mail. Such owners are responsible for any charges, fees, costs associated with pickup and holding. Owners of dogs seized and detained are responsible for all charges, boarding fees, placement or destroying humanely. Fines are $300.00. Each day of violation after notification constitutes a separate offense.

Hoffman can also provide traps to capture nuisance animals (i.e. raccoons getting into trash) for a fee. This includes delivery and pickup of the trap; a weekly rental fee and a deposit which is refunded upon return of the trap are also required.

Vacation Checks