505.04 DOGS, CATS AND OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE.

   (a)   No person, being the owner or having charge of any dog, cat or other domestic animal shall permit it to run at large upon any public property, including sidewalks, parks, rights of way and streets, or upon the premises of another.

   (b)   "At large" means not under control by leash, cord, chain, tether or other physical restraint held by a person; provided however, that an electronic collar or similar training device shall not constitute a physical restraint.

   (c)   A cat shall not be deemed to be running at large if it is within the physical control of the person having charge of such animal..

    (d)   The running at large of any such domestic animal upon any public places within the City is prima-facie evidence that the animal is running at large in violation of this section.

   (e)   This section shall not apply to "pocket pets" as defined in Section 505.01 (c).

   (f)   It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of this section that the animal was:

      (1)   Securely confined in an automobile or cage which was adequately ventilated;

      (2)   Being exhibited at a public show, parade or public institution;

      (3)   Engaged in any activity expressly approved by the laws of the State.

   (g)   Any animal found running "at large" shall be impounded pursuant to Section 505.20 .

(Ord. 1-87. Passed 1-5-87; Ord. 2024-02. Passed 2-26-24.)