For use in this chapter, the following terms are defined:
1. “Animal” means every wild, tame, or domestic member of the animal kingdom other than the genus and species Homo sapiens.
2. “Animal control officer” means the individual or individuals appointed by the City to enforce this chapter.
3. “At large” means off the premises of the owner, unless:
A. The animal is on a leash, cord, chain or similar restraint not more than six (6) feet in length and under the control of the person; or
B. The animal is within a motor vehicle; or
C. The animal is housed within a veterinary hospital, licensed kennel, pet shop or animal shelter; or
D. The animal is at heel.
4. “Dangerous animal per se” means:
A. Badgers, wolverines, weasels, mink and other Mustelids (except ferrets);
B. Black widow spiders and scorpions; and
C. Raccoons, opossums, and skunks.
5. “Dog” means and includes members of the Canine species, male or female, whether neutered or not.
6. “Dangerous dog” means any dog shall be categorized as a dangerous dog if it fits into any of the following categories:
A. Any dog which, when unprovoked, bites a person or a domestic pet or animal, whether on public or private property.
B. Any uncontrolled dog that chases or approaches a person without provocation in a manner that threatens the safety of humans or domestic pets or animals.
C. Any dog with a demonstrated propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, to cause injury to, or to otherwise threaten the safety of humans or domestic pets or animals. This category shall include a security dog that has been trained to attack.
D. Any dog not in strict conformity with the rabies control program of the City of Ankeny as established by the licensing provisions of the Municipal Code.
7. “Vicious animal” means any animal, including a dog, except for a dangerous animal per se, as listed above, if it fits into any of the following categories:
A. Any dog that according to the records of a health department, police department, or humane society or according to any other records available to the Police Department has directly inflicted any physical injury that resulted in broken bones or lacerations requiring sutures on a human being without provocation on public or private property.
B. Any dog that has killed a domestic pet or animal without provocation while off its owner’s property.
C. Any dog while off its owner’s property without provocation bites, attacks or endangers the safety of humans, domestic pets or animals.
8. Exceptions. A dog shall not be categorized as dangerous or vicious if it bites, attacks or menaces a person, domestic pet or animal in order to:
A. Defend its owner, caretaker or another person from an attack by a person or animal.
B. Protect itself, its young or another animal.
C. Defend itself against any person or animal that has tormented, assaulted or abused it.
D. Defends its owner’s or caretaker’s property against trespassers.