Whenever used in this chapter, unless a contrary intention is clearly evident, the following terms are used as herein defined:
ANIMAL: Any living creature, domestic or wild, other than a human being.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: A person or persons performing duties prescribed by the chief of police.
ANIMAL FOSTER HOME: An entity that accepts the responsibility for stewardship of animals that are the obligation of an animal shelter, not to exceed four (4) animals at any given time. Permits to operate as a "foster home" shall be issued through the animal shelter.
ANIMAL SHELTER: A facility operated, owned or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society or other nonprofit organization for the purpose of providing for and promoting the welfare, protection and humane treatment of animals. "Animal shelter" also means any veterinary hospital or clinic operated by a veterinarian or veterinarians licensed under the "Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act", being 225 ILCS 115/1 et seq. and as now or hereafter amended, which operates for the above mentioned purpose in addition to its customary purposes.
AT LARGE: Off the premises of the owner, not under control by leash of the owner or his or her agent, but a dog within the automobile or truck vehicle of its owner shall be deemed to be upon the owner's premises.
BITING DOGS OR CATS: A dog or cat which has bitten, scratched or otherwise injured any person so as to cause abrasion to the skin of such person.
BREEDER (HOBBYIST): Any person(s) who breeds animals, normally dogs or cats, as a hobby.
BREEDER (PROFESSIONAL): Any person(s) who breeds animals, normally dogs or cats, and maintains affiliation in a nationally recognized society for that breed.
CAT: Includes all members of the feline family (Felis catus).
CONFINEMENT: Relative to vaccination or observation, means the restriction of the animal at all times by the owner or his agent to an escapeproof building and/or enclosure and away from the public.
DANGEROUS OR VICIOUS DOG OR OTHER ANIMAL: Any animal which has known vicious propensities or which has been known to attack or injure any person who was peacefully conducting himself in any place where he may lawfully be.
DOG: Includes all members of the canine family (Canis familiaris).
HAS BEEN BITTEN: Has been seized with the teeth or jaws or scratched by the teeth or nails or wounded or pierced and includes contact of saliva with any break or abrasion of skin.
INOCULATION AGAINST RABIES: The injection, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or by any other route as approved by the Illinois department of agriculture of canine or feline antirabies vaccine approved by the Illinois department of agriculture.
LEASH: A cord or chain, no longer than eight feet (8'), securely fastened to the collar or harness of a dog, cat or other animal.
LIVESTOCK: Any species of horse, mule, donkey, cattle/cow, swine/pig, sheep or goat.
OWNER: Any person having right of property in a dog or cat or who keeps or harbors a dog or cat or who has it in his care or acts as its custodian or who knowingly permits a dog or cat to remain on or about any premises occupied by him.
PERMIT AGE: Any dog or cat which has attained the age of four (4) months.
POULTRY: Any species of chicken/rooster, goose, turkey, or duck.
POUND: An establishment of the police department, licensed humane organization, veterinary hospital or any licensed private firm or corporation which is constructed for such purpose which acts as a restraint, quarantine or confinement area for either stray or rabies suspect animals.
RABIES INSPECTOR: A licensed veterinarian designated by the chief of police pursuant to the Animal Control Act of the state of Illinois.
(Ord. 1069, 6-8-1976; amd. 1992 Code; Ord. 2582, 8-12-1997; Ord. 2859, 10-30-2001)
Statutory reference:
510 ILCS 5/1 et seq.