For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BITE. To seize or cut with the teeth.
CONFINEMENT STRUCTURE. A securely locked, pen, kennel or structure designed and constructed for the keeping of a pit bull dog and which shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the standards herein. The pen, kennel or structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. All STRUCTURES used to confine registered pit bull dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when the animals are within the structure. The STRUCTURE must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet. All STRUCTURES erected to house pit bull dogs must comply with all zoning and building regulations of the village. All the STRUCTURES must be adequately lighted, ventilated, and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
CRUELLY. An act of beating, underfeeding, overloading and/or abandoning any animal.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL or VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any animal which shall at any time have bitten any human being or whom the owner or keeper should reasonably know to have dangerous propensities and/or to pose a threat to the public and/or which has been or is trained to attack persons and/or animals on command and/or which at any time has killed or seriously injured another domestic animal and/or human.
FIGHT. A prearranged conflict between two or more animals but shall not include a conflict that is unorganized or accidental.
K-9 PATROL DOG OR POLICE DOG. A professionally-trained dog used by law enforcement officers for law enforcement purposes and activities.
LEASH. A cord, chain, rope, strap or other physical restraint.
MUZZLE. A device constructed of strong or soft material or a metal muzzle. The MUZZLE must be made in a manner which will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration, but must prevent it from biting any person or animal.
NIP. To pinch or squeeze with teeth with no breaking of skin or tissue.
PIT BULL DOG. Any:
(1) Bull terrier breed of dog;
(2) Staffordshire bull terrier breed of dog;
(3) American pit bull terrier breed of dog;
(4) American Staffordshire terrier breed of dog;
(5) Dogs of mixed breed or of other breeds than above listed which breed or mixed breed is known as pit bulls, pit bull dogs or pit bull terriers;
(6) Dogs which have the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of the bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier or American Staffordshire terrier breeds of dog; and
(7) Dogs acknowledged by their owners, orally or in writing, to be pit bulls.
RUNNING AT LARGE.
(1) The failure to confine a dog or cat on any road, street, alley or other public place or private property within the village.
(2) All animals within the village shall be confined on a chain or leash in a manner so as to prevent the animal from having any access to an person or other animal.
(Ord. passed 7-10-2007)