For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ADMINISTRATOR. A veterinarian licensed by the State of Illinois and appointed pursuant to the Animal Control Act, being 510 ILCS 5/1 et seq. or his or her duly authorized representative.
ADULT DOG OR CAT. A dog or cat four months of age or older.
ANIMAL CONTROL ACT. The state statute found at 510 ILCS 5/1 et seq.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. Any person designated by the city to enforce the rules and regulations established under this chapter.
ANIMAL CONTROL WARDEN. Any person appointed by the Administrator and approved by the Board to perform duties as assigned by the Administrator to effectuate the Animal Control Act, being 510 ILCS 5/1 et seq.
CAT. All members of the family genus Felis.
CITY. The City of Hamilton, Hancock County, Illinois.
DOG. All members of the family Canidae.
ENCLOSURE. A building or other structure strong enough to keep the confined animal away from other animals and the public.
HAS BEEN BITTEN. Has been seized with the teeth or jaws so that the person or animal seized has been nipped, gripped, wounded, or pierced and, further, includes contact of saliva with any break or abrasion of the skin.
LICENSE. A license purchased from the city for all dogs and cats within the city limits.
MATURE RABBIT. A rabbit six months of age or older.
OWNER. Any person having a right or property in a dog or other animal or who keeps or harbors a dog or other animal or who has it in his or her care or acts as its custodian or who knowingly permits a dog or other domestic animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her.
PERMIT. An official document giving residents authority to have said animals under this chapter.
PERSON. Any person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or legal entity; any public or private institution; or any other business unit.
POLICE DOG. A dog owned or used by a law enforcement department or agency in the course of the department or agency’s work.
RESIDENTIAL AREA. Those areas of districts within the corporate limits of the city included in the general zoning classification of R (residential).
WILD ANIMAL. Is not limited to any monkey, raccoon, skunk, fox, poisonous snake, python snake, boa constrictor snake, piranha fish, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, or any other warm-blooded animal which can be normally be found in the wild state.
(Ord. 7 (Series 2013-2014), passed 10-7-2013)
Statutory reference:
Related provisions, see 510 ILCS 5/1 et seq.