DANGEROUS DOG: Any dog that, because of its aggressive nature, training or characteristic behavior, presents a risk of serious physical harm or death to human beings, or would constitute a danger to human life, physical well being, or property if not kept under direct control of the owner. This definition shall not apply to dogs utilized by law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties. The term "dangerous dog" includes any dog that according to the records of either the City of Carthage or any other law enforcement agency:
(A) Has aggressively bitten, attacked, endangered, or inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property, or when unprovoked, has chased or approached a person upon the street, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack, provided that such actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more persons and dutifully investigated by any of the above referenced authorities;
(B) Has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; or
(C) Has been used primarily or in part for the purpose of dogfighting, or is a dog trained for dogfighting.
IMPOUNDMENT: The taking or picking up and confining of an animal by any police officer, animal control officer, or other public officer under the provisions of this chapter.
MUZZLE: A device constructed of strong, soft material or of metal, designed to fasten over the mouth of an animal to prevent the animal from biting any person or other animal.
OWNER: Any person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity owning, harboring or keeping any animal, or in the case of a person under the age of eighteen (18), that person's parent or legal guardian. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three (3) or more consecutive days. This definition shall not apply to any veterinary clinic or boarding kennel.
SANITARY CONDITION: A condition of good order and cleanliness to minimize the possibility of disease transmission.
UNDER RESTRAINT: An animal is secured by a leash, led under the control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal or obedient to that person's commands, or securely enclosed within the real property limits of the owner's premises. (Ord. 2015-3, 9-22-2015)