For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, bird (including all fowl and poultry) or other member commonly accepted as a part of the animal kingdom. Animals shall be classified as follows:
(1) DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Those animals commonly accepted as domesticated household pets. Unless otherwise defined, domestic animals shall include dogs, cats, caged birds, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated rabbits, fish, chickens (refer to §§ 94.30 et seq.), non-poisonous, non-venomous and non-constricting reptiles or amphibians, and other similar animals.
(2) FARM ANIMALS. Those animals commonly associated with a farm or performing work in an agricultural setting. Unless otherwise defined, farm animals shall include members of the equestrian family (horses, mules), bovine family (cows, bulls), sheep, poultry (pheasants, turkeys [refer to §§ 94.30 et seq.]), fowl (ducks, geese), swine (including Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs), goats, and other animals associated with a farm, ranch, or stable.
(3) NON-DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Those animals commonly considered to be naturally wild and not naturally trained or domesticated, or which are commonly considered to be inherently dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of people. Unless otherwise defined, non-domestic animals shall include:
(a) Any member of the large cat family (family felidae) including lions, tigers, cougars, bobcats, leopards and jaguars, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated house cats.
(b) Any naturally wild member of the canine family (family canidae) including wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, and jackals, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated dogs.
(c) Any crossbreeds such as the crossbreed between a wolf and a dog, unless the crossbreed is commonly accepted as a domesticated house pet.
(d) Any member or relative of the rodent family including any skunk (whether or not descented), raccoon, squirrel, or ferret, but excluding those members otherwise defined or commonly accepted as domesticated pets.
(e) Any poisonous, venomous, constricting, or inherently dangerous member of the reptile or amphibian families including rattlesnakes, boa constrictors, pit vipers, crocodiles and alligators.
(f) Any other animal which is not explicitly listed above but which can be reasonably defined by the terms of this section, including but not limited to bears, deer, monkeys and game fish.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner and not under the custody and control of the owner or other person, either by leash, cord, chain, or otherwise restrained or confined.
CAT. Both the male and female of the felidae species commonly accepted as domesticated household pets.
COMMERCIAL KENNEL. A place where four or more dogs or four or more cats are kept or housed for commercial use of the property owner or occupant.
DOG. Both the male and female of the canine species, commonly accepted as domesticated household pets, and other domesticated animals of a dog kind.
OWNER. Any person or persons, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring an animal.
PRESCRIBED GRAZING. The application of goats as a landscape management technique to control noxious, invasive, or other undesirable vegetation at a specific location and for a defined length of time. For purpose of this definition goats used for prescribed grazing purposes are not considered pets or livestock.
PRIVATE KENNEL. A place where four or more dogs or four or more cats over the age of six months are kept or housed for the sole non-commercial use, benefit or enjoyment of the property owner or occupant. The owner of a private kennel also must be a Byron resident.
RELEASE PERMIT. A permit issued by the Animal Control Officer or other person in charge of the veterinarian hospital, clinic or kennel for the release of any animal that has been taken to the veterinarian hospital, clinic or kennel. A release permit may be obtained upon payment of a fee to the City Administrator, or his or her designee, in accordance with the regular license requirement if the animal is unlicensed, payment of a release fee, and any maintenance costs incurred in capturing and impounding the animal. The release fee shall be as established by the City Council, and may be amended from time to time.
(Am. Ord. - -, passed 5-23-07; Am. Ord. - -, passed 9-27-12; Am. Ord. 20-05, passed 9-8-20)