For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY. A city police officer or his or her designee.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL OR REPTILE. Any animal or reptile that:
(1) Causes an injury to a person or domestic animal; or
(2) Has been determined to be a potentially dangerous animal and engages in behavior that poses a threat to public safety as described herein.
IMPOUND. Taken into the custody of the city.
OWNER. Any person, firm, corporation, organization or department possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in or having control or custody of an animal.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ANIMAL OR REPTILE. An animal or reptile that may reasonably be assumed to pose a threat to public safety as demonstrated by any of the following behaviors:
(1) Causing an injury to a person or domestic animal that is less severe than a serious injury;
(2) Without provocation, chasing or menacing a person or domestic animal in an aggressive manner;
(3) Running at large and impounded or owners cited by the animal control authority for a violation of this chapter two or more times within any 12-month period; and
(4) Acts in a highly aggressive manner within a fenced yard/enclosure and appears to a reasonable person able to break through, jump over or escape under such enclosure.
PROPER ENCLOSURE. Secure confinement indoors or secure confinement in a locked pen, fenced yard or structure measuring at least six feet in width, 12 feet in length, and six feet in height, capped if there is a dog house inside or if an animal or reptile can climb over or under a fence, with secure sides, which provided proper protection from the elements for the animal or reptile, is suitable to prevent the entry of young children and is designed to prevent the animal or reptile from escaping while on the owner’s property.
RESPONSIBLE PERSON. A person at least 18 years old who is familiar with the animal or reptile and has the size and experience to be able to keep the animal or reptile under complete control at all times.
SERIOUS INJURY. Any physical injury that results in broken bones or lacerations that require multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.
(Amended 8-19-2008)