For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any and all types of animals, both domesticated and wild, male and female, singular and plural.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner, and not under the control of the owner or a member of the owner's immediate family, either by leash, cord, chain or otherwise.
DANGEROUS or VICIOUS ANIMAL.
(1) Any animal that has a known vicious propensity, tendency or disposition to act unprovoked, cause injury or otherwise threaten the safety of a human being or other domestic animal;
(2) Any animal which because of its vicious propensity is capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to humans which would constitute a danger to human life or property if it were not kept up in the manner required by this chapter;
(3) Any animal which, without provocation, attacks or bites or has attacked or bitten a human being or domestic animal; or
(4) A dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or any dog trained for dog fighting.
(5) A
DANGEROUS or VICIOUS ANIMAL does not include a POLICE DOG.
OWNER. Any person, firm, corporation, organization or department possessing or harboring or having the care or custody of an animal.
POLICE DOG. A dog that has been trained and may be used to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of his, her or their official duties, that has caused or approached in either a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack, or has attempted to fight or otherwise endanger, any person while the POLICE DOG is being used to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of his, her or their official duties.
UNCONFINED. A vicious animal is unconfined if the animal is not securely confined indoors or confined in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure upon the premises of the owner of the animal. The pen or structure should have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides must be imbedded below the surface of the ground no less than one foot. All such pens or structures shall be adequately lighted and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
(Ord. 2003-11, passed 11-3-03)
Cross-reference:
Prohibition against animal fighting, see § 90.10.