Terms, words, phrases and their derivatives used, but not specifically defined in this chapter shall be commonly defined. Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural include the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning or where a definition is included in an adopted state statute or regulation, for which the state statute definition shall precede the ordinance definition.
ANIMAL. Any warm-blooded vertebrate creature, domestic or wild, excluding the human species.
ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER. Any person designated by the city administrator or police chief to enforce the provisions of this chapter; a member of the animal services department. For purposes of this chapter, an ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER is the same as the state law ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER per Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 829, § 829.001(1).
CAT. A domestic feline of either sex, including one neutered or sterilized.
DOG. A domestic canine of either sex, including one neutered or sterilized.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL. Any of various animals domesticated so as to live and breed in a tame condition. It does not include hybrid animals resulting from crossing wild with domestic species.
HARBOR. The caring for an animal by providing food, water, shelter (whether indoor or outdoor) and/or other comfort to the animal where over time the animal regularly returns to the place/premises and is known to be at that location.
IMPOUNDMENT. To seize and take custody of an animal and to put the animal up securely in a shelter, enclosure or space.
KEEP. To watch over an animal, to defend it against harm.
LIVESTOCK. A domestic farm animal kept, raised and/or used by people, including but not limited to cattle, cows, horses, sheep, swine, donkeys, goats, ducks, turkeys or geese. For purposes of this chapter, rabbits and chickens are not livestock.
OWNER. Any person (17 years of age or older), firm or corporation, that keeps, shelters, maintains, feeds, harbors, allows to remain any animal, domestic or prohibited, either temporarily or permanently on or about any premises occupied by the person or under the control of the person; or that has title to any animal, domestic or prohibited, by purchase, sale or gift. For purposes of this definition, one animal may have multiple "owners" with equal responsibility, with legal title of an animal not being exclusive of others.
PET. A domestic cat or dog.
POTBELLIED PIG. That breed of miniature pig meeting the standards established by the North American Potbelly Pig Association (NAPPA).
RUNNING AT LARGE. An animal that has left its enclosure.
(Ord. 01-04-2018-ANIMAL, passed 1-4-2018)