As used in this chapter the following terms mean:
ANIMAL: Includes, but is not limited to, cats, dogs, horses, bovine animals, sheep, goats, swine, donkeys, mules, llamas, geese, chickens, ducks and other animals of like nature; "wild animals" defined as any live monkey (nonhuman primate), raccoon, skunk, fox, poisonous snake, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, bobcat or other warm blooded animal taken from the wild state.
ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY: The person or persons designated to enforce this chapter including any law enforcement agency and its personnel authorized to enforce laws within the city of Hardin.
ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT: Any pet shop, grooming shop, animal auction, performing animal exhibition, kennel or animal shelter, except this term shall not include veterinary medical facilities, licensed research facilities, facilities operated by government agencies, or licensed animal dealers regulated by the USDA under the provisions of U.S. public laws 89-544, 91-579, 94-279, 99-198, and 101-624.
ANIMAL SHELTER: Facility designated or recognized by the city of Hardin for the purpose of impounding and caring for animals.
AT LARGE: A dog or cat shall be deemed to be at large when off the property of the owner and not under restraint.
DANGEROUS DOG OR CAT: A dog or cat that without justification attacks a person or domestic animal causing physical injury or death, or behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses an unjustified imminent threat or serious injury or death to one or more persons or domestic animals.
HUMANE MANNER: Care of an animal to include, but not be limited to, adequate heat, ventilation and sanitary shelter, wholesome food and water, consistent with the normal requirements and feeding habits of the animal's size, species, and breed.
KENNEL: An establishment kept for the purpose of breeding, selling, or boarding dogs or cats or engaged in training dogs or cats.
LICENSING AUTHORITY: The city of Hardin or any designated representative thereof charged with administering the issuance and/or revocation of permits and licenses under the provisions of this chapter.
NEUTERED: Rendered permanently incapable of reproduction.
NUISANCE: A chicken, dog or cat shall be considered a nuisance if it: damages, soils, defiles, or defecates on private property other than the owner's or on public walks and recreation areas unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the owner; causes unsanitary, "dangerous", or offensive conditions; causes a disturbance by excessive barking or other noisemaking; or chases vehicles, or molests, attacks, or interferes with persons or other domestic animals on public property.
OWNER: A person having the right of property or custody of a dog or cat or who keeps or harbors a dog or cat or knowingly permits a dog or cat to remain on or about any premises occupied by that person.
PERSON: Any individual, corporation, partnership, organization, or institution commonly recognized by law as a unit.
PET SHOP: An establishment engaged in the business of buying or selling, at retail, dogs or cats or other animals for profitmaking purposes.
RESTRAINT: A dog or cat shall be considered under restraint if it is within the real property limits of its owner or secured by a leash or lead or under the control of a responsible person.
TETHER: To restrain a dog or cat by tying the dog or cat to any object or structure, including, without limitation, a house, tree, fence, post, garage, or shed, by any means, including, without limitation, a chain, rope, cord, leash, or running line. Tethering shall not include using a leash to walk a dog. (Ord. 2011-10, 7-6-2011; amd. Ord. 2012-08, 1-2-2013; Ord. 2023-03, 5-16-2023)