For the purpose of this chapter, the definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED. Failure to redeem an impounded animal within 72 hours of incarceration, leaving an animal in any place where is may suffer injury, hunger or exposure or become a public nuisance or changing residence and failing to move an animal within 24 hours.
ANIMAL. All vertebrates except human beings.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER or ACO. Any person hired by or contracted with by the city to enforce this chapter. This term includes a law enforcement officer of the city.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Any premises provided by the city and maintained for impounding and caring for dogs and other animals.
AT LARGE. Any animal which is off the premises of its owner and is not under the immediate and continued control of its owner or an authorized agent of the owner either by leash or voice and/or signal control. Animals controlling or protecting livestock or in other related agricultural activities are to be excluded from this definition.
BITE. Any abrasion, scratch, puncture, laceration, bruise, tear or piercing of the skin inflicted by the teeth of an animal.
DOG. Any canine animal, of either sex (whether or not spayed or neutered), or any dingo, wolf, coyote or cross that is being kept as a dog.
OWNER. Any person, corporation, partnership, association or other legal entity owning, keeping or harboring a dog, or allowing the same to habitually remain on or be fed on or about one’s premises.
RESTRAINT. An animal is controlled by a leash, at “heel” beside a competent person and obedient to that person’s command, within a vehicle with permission of the owner, or within the property limits of the premises controlled by the owner or other person consenting thereto.
SEVERE INJURY. Any physical injury that results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.
VACCINATION. The inoculation of a dog with anti-rabies vaccine, having an effective immunity of at least two years, and administered under the direction of the Public Health Officer by a licensed veterinarian or with any other vaccine approved by the Public Health Officer and the State Veterinarian.
VETERINARIAN. A doctor of veterinary medicine holding a valid license.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. An animal which bites or attempts to bite any human being without provocation or which harasses, chases, bites or attempts to bite any other animal including livestock or any domestic pet.
(Ord. 2005-01, passed 11-8-2004; Ord. 2010-01, passed 8-31-2009)