(A) For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates, or requires, a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any horse, mule, donkey, pony, cow, sheep, goat, hog, dog, cat, rabbit, turkey, or other animal or fowl.
AT LARGE.
(a) Not securely confined by a fence or other means on premises under the control of, or occupied by, the owner; or
(b) Not under the control of the owner, a member of his or her immediate family over 12 years of age or an agent of the owner, by leash, not more than six feet in length if off the premises of the owner.
FOWL. Chickens, guineas, geese, ducks, and pigeons.
KENNEL. Keeping of more than four adult dogs on the same premises in any manner.
OWNER OR KEEPER. Any person, group of persons, or corporation owning, keeping, maintaining, or harboring, or having care or custody of, an animal or animals, or fowl or birds.
PROVOKE OR PROVOCATION. With respect to an attack by an animal, that the animal was hit, kicked, or struck by a person with an object or part of a person’s body or that any part of the animal’s body is pulled, pinched, or squeezed by a person.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. An animal which has bitten, or attempted to bite, any person without undue provocation, or which attacks, or barks or growls at, and acts as if it intends to attack or bite, or bites a person or persons when not unduly provoked, and includes a PIT BULL.
WITHOUT PROVOCATION. An animal was not teased, tormented, or abused; and also means where the animal was not protecting its owner or owner’s property from criminal activity by a perpetrator of a crime.
(B) All other words or phrases used herein shall be defined and interpreted according to their common usage.
(Prior Code, § 4-101) (Ord. 4-101, passed 7-9-2007)
Statutory reference:
Animals running at large; regulation and taxation, see 11 O.S. § 22-115