For the purpose of this chapter the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
“ABANDON.” Any animal left more than 48 hours without a person checking on the condition of the animal(s) and/or providing food and water. Any animal left on private property without the owner's consent or deserted or dumped on public property or roadways.
“ANIMAL.” Any live vertebrate creature.
“ANIMAL CONTROL.” The Kenton County Dog Authority which is an authority made up of cities in Kenton County to control animals within city boundaries.
“ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY CHAIRMAN.” The person elected by the Kenton County Dog Authority to oversee its daily operation.
“ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER.” Any person designated by the Kenton County Dog Authority who is qualified to perform such duties under the laws and Ordinances of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the designated city. An Animal Control Officer shall be a law enforcement officer for the purposes of this chapter only.
“ANIMAL SHELTER.” Any premises operated or approved for operation by the Kenton County Fiscal Court for the purpose of impounding and caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter.
“CAT.” Any member of the feline family, six months of age or over, male or female.
“COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT.” Any pet shop, boarding or breeding kennel, grooming facility, auction, petting zoo, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibit, or any person engaged in the business of breeding, buying, or selling at retail or wholesale, any species of animal for profit.
“DAY.” For the purpose of this chapter, a 24-hour period shall constitute a day.
“DOG.” Any member of the canine family, six months of age or over, male or female.
“DOMESTIC ANIMAL.” Such animals as are habituated to live in or about the habitations of human beings, and which are kept, cared for, sheltered, fed, or harbored for use as a pet or as a source of food, raw materials or income.
“EXOTIC ANIMAL.” Any animal not indigenous to the United States.
“HUMANE SOCIETY.” Any person or organization operating from a fixed site and taking in or accepting stray or unwanted animals.
“IMPOUNDED.” Having been received into the custody of the Kenton County Dog Authority or any authorized representative thereof.
“LIVESTOCK.” Cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses or any other animals of the bovine, ovine, porcine, caprine, or equine species.
“OWNER.” Any person(s), corporation or other entity owning, keeping, harboring or sheltering one or more animals.
“PERSON.” Includes all natural persons, corporations, partnerships, firms, associations, governmental bodies, agencies, and other entities.
“PET.” Domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility.
“PUBLIC NUISANCE.” Any animal(s) which:
(1) Molests passers-by or passing vehicles;
(2) Attacks people or other animals;
(3) Damages public or private property;
(4) Is repeatedly at large;
(5) Makes noise in an excessive, continuous or untimely fashion;
(6) Repeatedly urinates or defecates on property not belonging to the animal's owner or creates unsanitary conditions;
(7) Disturbs, the peace, comfort or health of persons in any other manner.
“RESTRAINED.” Enclosed is an area by a form of fencing (including invisible fencing) designed to control the movement of the animal or secured by a leash or chain. An animal shall be deemed to be restrained if it remains on the premises of its owner or if it is accompanied by a responsible person and is under that person's control.
“RUNNING AT LARGE.” Any animal that is off the property of the owner, custodian, possessor or harborer and is not restrained. Except that a hound or other hunting dog which has been released from restraint for hunting purposes shall be deemed to be under reasonable control of its owner or handler while engaged in or returning from hunting, and, if such hunting dog becomes temporarily lost from a pack or wanders from actual control or sight of its owner or handler it shall not be deemed to be a violation.
“STRAY.” Any animal running at large.
“VETERINARIAN.” One licensed and qualified to treat diseases and injuries of animals.
“VETERINARY HOSPITAL.” Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals.
(Ord. 581-99, passed 4-14-99)