For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ATTACK. Intentionally biting or attempting to bite, or charging at, leaping upon, or pursuing any person with evident purpose of causing bodily injury to the person so that the person has reasonable grounds to fear for his or her safety. Merely barking or growling at a person does not in itself constitute an ATTACK.
VICIOUS DOG. Any dog which on one or more prior occasions is known to have attacked any person without warrantable cause shall be deemed a VICIOUS DOG for purposes of this subchapter.
WARRANTABLE CAUSE. There exist good and reasonable grounds to believe that an attack by a dog was precipitated by one or more of the following circumstances:
(1) The dog was itself being deliberately threatened or subjected to unreasonable taunting and teasing by the person attacked;
(2) The dog was acting to protect the person or property of its owner or keeper from an unlawful intruder or attacker; and/or
(3) The dog is a specially trained animal to be used for guard or law enforcement duties, and acted on command in that capacity.
(1985 Code, § 4-4.5-1) (Ord. 14C-1984, passed - -1984; Ord. C2-1985, passed - -1985)