For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The person designated by the county and have full authority to exercise duties within the town’s corporate limits. The Police Chief may appoint additional persons to assist the Animal Control Officer.
AT LARGE. An animal that is not on its owner’s premises nor under the control of the owner or other person accompanying the dog by means of a leash not exceeding six feet in length or within a private vehicle.
DOG. Any dog, male or female, over the age of three months.
DOG HAVING DANGEROUS OR DESTRUCTIVE PROPENSITIES. A dog which constitutes a physical threat to humans or other animals, or a dog which habitually turns over garbage receptacles, habitually destroys shrubs, flowers, grass and other plant growth, habitually kills other animals, habitually attacks or attempts to attack persons or habitually performs other similar acts.
OWNER. Any person owning, keeping or harboring a dog and, for the purpose hereof, the head of a household shall be deemed to be the OWNER in respect to any dog owned, kept or harbored by any person residing in such household and kept on the premises.
PROPER ENCLOSURE. A building or other structure from which a dog cannot escape, or an outside area enclosed by a fence or other device so that a dog cannot escape from the property of owners.
VICIOUS DOG. Any dog which has bitten one or more persons, or one in which a propensity to attack human beings exists, and such propensity is known or ought to be reasonably known to the owner.
(Prior Code, § 91.01)