As used in this chapter, the following words, terms and titles shall have the following meanings:
ANIMAL: Any mammal, reptile or fowl, domestic or wild; or any living creature, domestic or wild.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: Any persons authorized by the Canton city council to primarily catch strayed animals, care for impounded animals, and enforce this chapter. The animal control officer shall have the power to issue citations, notices to appear, sign complaints and do all other acts and deeds reasonably necessary to effectuate the requirements of this chapter. Appointment of a person as an animal control officer does not deny to any Canton police officer the power to enforce this chapter.
ANIMAL IN HEAT: That period or duration of time when there is sexual excitement in a female animal.
COMPETENT PERSON: A human being who is capable of controlling the animal in question, and to whose commands the animal is obedient.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL; VICIOUS ANIMAL: Any wild mammal, reptile or fowl which is not naturally tame and gentle but which is, as a breed or species of a wild nature or disposition; or which, because of its size, vicious nature, or other characteristics would constitute a danger to human life and safety or property if not kept or maintained in a safe manner or in secure quarters. Also, any domestic mammal, reptile or fowl which, because of its size or vicious propensity or other characteristic, would constitute a danger to human life and safety or property if not kept or maintained in a safe manner or in secure quarters.
DOG: A domesticated carnivore, scientifically known as Canis familiaris, of whatever breed, sex or variety.
FERAE NATURAE: Any animal which yet, as a species, retains its wild nature; any nondomestic animal; any untamed animal.
HEALTH OFFICER: An officer of the Canton police department to whom the primary responsibility of the city's various health codes has been delegated by the chief of police.
INOCULATION AGAINST RABIES: The injection, subcutaneously or otherwise, as approved by the Illinois department of agriculture, of antirabic vaccine approved by said department.
LIVESTOCK: Any domestic animal.
OWNER: Any person having a right of property in an animal; or any person who keeps or harbors such animal; or has an animal in his care; or who acts as such animal's custodian; or who knowingly permits such animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by such person. (Ord. 947, 9-7-1982)