For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL. Any animal not kept for a commercial or business purpose.
OWNER. Any person, firm, corporation, organization or department owning, possessing, harboring or having the care or custody of a domestic animal in the city.
RUN AT LARGE. Straying beyond the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer without the exercise of reasonable control over such domestic or vicious animal.
UNCONFINED VICIOUS ANIMAL. A vicious animal is unconfined if the animal is not securely confined indoors or confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen, cage or structure upon the premises of the owner, keeper or harborer of the animal. The pen or structure must have secure sides and a secure top and bottom attached to the sides, and the sides must be embedded into the ground no less than one foot if outside and sitting on the ground. All such pens or structures must be adequately lighted and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
VICIOUS ANIMAL.
(1) Any animal with a known vicious propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury to or otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or domestic animals;
(2) Any animal which because of its vicious propensity is capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to humans and which would constitute a danger to human life or property if it were not kept in the manner required by this chapter;
(3) Any animal which, without provocation, attacks or bites, or has attacked or bitten a human being or domestic animal; or
(4) Any animal owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of animal fighting, or any animal trained for animal fighting.
(Ord. 2005-OR-20, passed 11-7-2005)