For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any animal of a species that is susceptible to rabies, except man.
ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY. The Animal Control Officer, Chief of Police, Town Manager or delegate.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Any establishment authorized by the town for the confinement, maintenance, safekeeping and control of animals that come into the custody of the Animal Control Authority in performance of its duties.
AT LARGE. Neither confined by an enclosure nor physically restrained by a leash.
COLLAR. A band, chain, harness or suitable device worn around the neck of a dog to which a license may be affixed.
DOG. A member of the canis familiaris family.
EXPOSED TO RABIES. An animal if it has been bitten by or exposed to any animal known to have been infected with rabies.
FOWL. Chicken, cock, hen, duck, goose, peafowl or other generally accepted domesticated commercial bird.
IMPOUND. The act of taking or receiving into custody by the Animal Control Authority any dog or other animal for the purpose of confinement in an animal shelter in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
KENNEL. An enclosed, controlled area, inaccessible to other animals in which a person keeps, harbors or maintains five or more dogs under controlled conditions.
LIVESTOCK. Horses, mules, asses, cattle, oxen, swine, sheep and goats.
NEUTERED MALE. Any dog or male cat which has been operated upon to prevent conception.
OWNER. Any person, partnership or corporation owning, keeping, possessing, harboring or maintaining one or more animals for more than six consecutive days. An animal shall be deemed to be “harbored” if it is fed or sheltered for three consecutive days or more.
PUBLIC NUISANCE. Any animal which:
(1) Molests passers-by or passing vehicles;
(2) Attacks other animals;
(3) Trespasses on public property;
(4) Is repeatedly at large;
(5) Damages private or public property; or
(6) Disturbs the peace, comfort or health of any person residing in the town by excessive or continuous noise.
RESTRAINT. An animal is controlled by a leash or lead, at “heel” beside a competent person and obedient to that person's commands, on or within a vehicle being driven or parked on the streets or within the property limits of its owner.
SPAYED FEMALE. Any bitch or female cat which has been operated upon to prevent conception.
STRAY CAT. Any cat four months of age or older running at large.
STRAY DOG. Any dog three months of age or older running at large or that is not wearing a valid license tag.
VACCINATION. The administration of an anti-rabies vaccine to animals by a veterinarian.
VETERINARIAN. Unless otherwise indicated, means any veterinarian licensed to practice in this state or any veterinarian employed by the town.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any animal of the order carnivore that has a propensity to attack, to cause injury to or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings without provocation, or that has been so declared after a hearing before a justice of the peace or a town magistrate.