For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. All living creatures not human.
AT-LARGE. Any animal found off the premises of its owner and not under the control of a competent person, restrained withing a motor vehicle, or housed in a veterinary hospital or kennel; except that a dog once before impounded for being at large, or whose owner has been convicted of allowing the dog to be at large or allowing the dog to cause an annoyance or disturbance shall not then be deemed at large if:
(1) The dog is on the premises of the owner or a person given charge of the dog and is either:
(a) Inside the residence or other adequate building or structure, or;
(b) Accompanied by and obedient to the commands of the owner or the person given such charge, or;
(c) Restrained on the premises by an adequate protective fence or by leash, cord, chain or other similar restraint that is at least 12 feet in length and that does not allow a dog to go beyond the owner’s real property line;
(2) The dog is off the premises of the owner and is on a leash, cord or chain or other similar restraint not more than six feet in length and under the control of a person competent to restrain and control the dog, or properly restrained within a motor vehicle or is properly housed in a veterinary hospital or kennel.
LICENSED DOG. Any dog bearing a currently valid license under Code of Iowa Ch. 351.
OWNER. Any person owning, keeping, sheltering or harboring an animal.