For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DANGEROUS DOG.
(1) Any individual dog anywhere other than upon the property of the owner or custodian of the dog and unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by its owner or custodian that behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to a person or companion animal; or
(2) A dog that, without justification, bites a person and does not cause serious injury.
(510 ILCS 5/2.052A)
ENCLOSURE.
(1) A fence or structure of at least six feet in height, forming or causing an enclosure suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and suitable to confine a vicious dog in conjunction with other measures that may be taken by the owner or keeper, such as tethering of the vicious dog within the enclosure.
(2) The ENCLOSURE shall be securely enclosed and locked and designed with secure sides, top, and bottom and shall be designed to prevent the animal from escaping from the enclosure.
(3) If the ENCLOSURE is a room within a residence, it cannot have direct ingress from or egress to the outdoors unless it leads directly to an enclosed pen and the door must be locked.
(4) A vicious dog may be allowed to move about freely within the entire residence if it is muzzled at all times.
(510 ILCS 5/2.11a)
FOUND TO BE VICIOUS DOG.
(1) The County Veterinarian, Animal Control Warden, or a law enforcement officer has conducted an investigation and made a finding, in writing, that the dog is a vicious dog, as defined herein, and based on that finding, the County Veterinarian or the Animal Control Warden has declared, in writing, that the dog is a vicious dog; or
(2) The Circuit Court has found the dog to be a vicious dog, as defined herein, and has entered an order based on that finding.
IMPOUNDED. Taken into the custody of the public pound in the city or town where the vicious dog is found.
VICIOUS DOG.
(1) Any individual dog that, when unprovoked, inflicts, bites, or attacks a human being or other animal either on public or private property.
(2) Any individual dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack (without provocation), to cause injury, or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals.
(3) Any individual dog that has a trait or characteristic and a generally known reputation for viciousness, dangerousness, or unprovoked attacks upon human beings or other animals, unless handled in a particular manner or with special equipment.
(4) Any individual dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation.
(5) Any individual dog which has been found to be a dangerous dog upon three separate occasions.
(6) No dog shall be deemed VICIOUS if it bites, attacks, or menaces a trespasser on the property of its owner or harms or menaces anyone who has tormented or abused it or is a professionally trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties.
(7) VICIOUS DOGS shall not be classified in a manner that is specific as to breed.
(8) If a dog is found to be a VICIOUS DOG, the dog shall be subject to enclosure.
(Prior Code, § 3-3-1)