For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONMENT. The casting away or leaving of an animal with no reasonable intention to reclaim it, thereby making it available for appropriation by others or by the county.
ADOPTION. The act of acquiring an animal from the animal shelter by means of written agreement and payment for pet.
ANIMAL. Every living creature, domestic or non-domestic, but does not include humans.
ANIMAL CONTROL. The County Animal Control Department responsible for enforcing state and county animal control laws and ordinances.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. Any person hired by the county to work in the County Animal Control Department to enforce state and local laws and ordinances.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Any premises designated by the county for the purpose of impounding and caring for all dogs and cats subject to impounding in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
AT LARGE. Off of the owner’s property and not under the control of the owner, or another individual, either by leash, cord, chain, fence, or other means of restraint. Dogs are not considered to be AT LARGE when they are assisting persons who are lawfully hunting.
CAT. Any domestic feline species.
COUNTY. Beaufort County.
DANGEROUS DOG. An unprovoked dog that does bodily harm to a person on public property or private property, a dog that is owned primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting, a dog that is trained for dog fighting, an unprovoked and unrestrained dog that chases or approaches a person on a street, sidewalk, or public property in a terrorizing fashion or attitude of attack, or a dog that has killed or inflicted severe injury upon a domestic animal when not on the real property of the owner of the dog.
DANGEROUS DOG BOARD. A board consisting of at least three of its five County Commissioner appointed members, to hear and decide appeals from dangerous dog determinations.
DOG. Any domestic canine species.
FULLY-ENCLOSED PEN. A pen with four secured sides, minimum of six feet high, with a secure top attached to the sides and a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the structure or the sides must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet and the sides must be turned under the pen area for no less than 18 inches. The pen entry door must be secured with a keyed lock to prevent unauthorized entry or escape. The length and width of the pen must be large enough to allow the animal daily vigorous exercise.
INTACT MALE. Any male dog or cat which has not received a veterinarian procedure to prevent reproduction.
KENNEL. Any person, group of persons, partnership, or corporation engaged in boarding, breeding, selling, or buying of animals.
LIVESTOCK. Includes, but shall not be limited to, equine animals, bovine animals, sheep, goats, llamas, and swine.
NEUTERED MALE. Any male dog or cat that has received a veterinarian procedure to prevent reproduction.
OWNER. Any person owning, keeping, having charge of, sheltering, feeding, harboring, or taking care of any animal. The OWNER is responsible for the care, actions, and behavior of his or her animals.
RECLAIM. The act of reacquiring an animal from the animal shelter by the owner of the animal. An owner will have an exclusive right to RECLAIM in the first hours of impoundment. After 72 hours have elapsed, the owner may still RECLAIM if the animal has not been adopted. After 120 hours, the owner may still RECLAIM if the animal has not been adopted or euthanized.
RESTRAINT. A dog or cat is under RESTRAINT within the meaning of this subchapter if it is:
(1) Controlled by means of a chain, leash, or other like device;
(2) On or within a vehicle being driven or parked;
(3) Within a secured enclosure; or
(4) Within the dwelling house of the owner or keeper.
SHELTER. A structure that includes a secure solid top, sides, and bottom that allows the pet to seek refuge from nature’s elements including but not limited to cold weather, hot weather, rain, snow, or sun.
SPAYED FEMALE. Any female dog or cat that has received a veterinarian procedure that prevents reproduction.
STRAY. Any dog or cat that is running at large, uncared for, homeless, or unwanted, that is not wearing a collar with identification or current rabies tag and/or the owner is not known.
UNPROVOKED ATTACK. Occurs when a dog attacks, bites, or inflicts injury upon a person or domestic animal without being teased, molested, provoked, beaten, tortured, or otherwise harmed.
UNSPAYED FEMALE. Any female dog or cat that has not received a veterinarian procedure to prevent reproduction.
VETERINARIAN HOSPITAL. Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals.
(Ord. passed 9-9-2013)