For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. All vertebrate and invertebrate animals, whether domesticated or wild, including, but not limited to, bees, birds and fowl (including parakeets), cattle, cats, chickens, dogs, ducks, geese, goats, horses, livestock of all types, mammals (including elephants), rabbits, all reptiles, rodents, sheep, swine, and turkey.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The person(s) responsible for enforcement of the ordinances and regulations pertaining to animal control in the town.
ANIMAL SHELTER or MUNICIPAL POUND. Any premises formally designated by the Town Board of Trustees for the purpose of impounding and caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter, regardless of whether or not said premises are within the municipality’s corporate boundaries and regardless of whether or not said premises are under actual municipal ownership or provided for under a contractual arrangement between the town and private owner(s).
AT LARGE. Not under restraint, as defined herein below.
DANGEROUS BIRDS. Any warm-blooded, feathered vertebrate which may constitute a physical threat to human beings.
HARBORING. When used in this chapter, allowing any animal habitually to remain or be fed on premises.
KENNEL. Any structure or place where three or more dogs over six months of age are kept, bred, or trained at any single time or any facility designed or built to accommodate the temporary boarding of more than three dogs over six months of age.
LIVESTOCK. All animals other than dogs, cats, small caged birds, or small aquatic or amphibian animals.
OWNER. Any person, firm, or corporation owning, harboring, or keeping an animal; occupants of any premises to which a domesticated or tamed animal customarily returns for a period of ten days or more shall be deemed to be harboring or keeping the animal and thereby considered to be an owner of said animal.
PET. Any animal kept for pleasure rather than utility.
RESTRAINT. An animal shall be deemed to be under RESTRAINT if confined on the premises of its owner, if on a leash and accompanied by a responsible person, or, in the case of a hunting dog, if accompanied by its owner engaged in the act of hunting.
VICIOUS DOG OR ANIMAL. Any dog or animal which has bitten or attempted to bite any person without provocation or which attacks, barks, or growls at and acts as if it intended to attack or bite any person or persons when not provoked. The owner or owners of such dogs or animals shall be liable to the full amount when such animal bites or injures any person while such person is in or on a place where he or she has a lawful right to be.
WILD ANIMAL. Any animal which can normally be found living in a naturally wild state and is not ordinarily tamed or domesticated; the term shall include animals which may be owned by a circus or wild animal show or exhibition.
(Prior Code, § 3-1)
Statutory reference:
Related provisions, see 4 O.S. § 42.1