For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any living vertebrate, domestic or wild, not including humans.
AGGRESSIVE DOG. Any dog deemed running at large and without provocation, that chases or approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack, on any public property or in any place outside or over the boundaries of its owner’s property, and where the dog has been declared aggressive by the Chief of Police after a review of the facts in each case.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL. An animal which, by reason of its species, is by nature ferocious or has a dangerous propensity, such as but not limited to lions, tigers, bears, elephants and wolves. As used in this section, the term DANGEROUS ANIMAL means any animal meeting any one of the following criteria, including domestic dogs:
(1) Any animal which bites, inflicts injury on, kills or otherwise attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation on any public or private property;
(2) Any animal which has been declared aggressive and, without provocation, chases or approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack, on any public property or in any place outside or over the boundaries of its owner’s property;
(3) Any animal owned or harbored, primarily or in part, for the purpose of dog or other animal fighting or any animal trained for dog or other animal fighting;
(4) Any dog that is used by a commercial venture to guard public or private property, except those owned by a governmental or law enforcement unit; or
(5) Any animal which has been found to be a vicious dog under state law.
(ILCS Ch. 510, Act 5, § 15)
(Ord. 07-55, passed 10-23-2007)