For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ADEQUATE FOOD. The provision at suitable intervals, not to exceed 24 hours, of a quantity of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the species and age, and sufficient to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition in each animal. Such foodstuff shall be served in a receptacle, dish, or container that is physically clean and in which agents injurious to health have been removed or destroyed to a practical minimum.
ADEQUATE SHELTER. Shelter which will keep a non-aquatic animal dry, out of direct path of winds, out of direct sun, and at a temperature level that is healthful for the animal. For dogs, cats, and other small animals, the shelter shall be a wind-proof and moisture-proof structure of suitable size to accommodate the animal and allow retention of body heat. It shall include four walls, a roof, and a solid floor raised up off the ground, with an opening entrance large enough to allow access to the animal, but placed in such a way to keep the animal out of the direct path of winds. Barrels, pet crates, and similar devices do not provide adequate shelter for a dog, cat, or other small animal and are prohibited for that purpose. The structure shall be provided with sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material consisting of hay, straw, cedar shaving, or the equivalent. For all animals the containment area shall be free of accumulated waste, excrement, debris, and other toxic or hazardous materials so that the animal shall be free to walk or lie down without coming in contact with any such waste, excrement, debris, or other toxic or hazardous material, and a suitable method of draining shall be provided to rapidly eliminate excess water or moisture. Aquatic or semi-aquatic animals shall have an adequate amount of clean water in which to move. Adequate shelter does not apply to the following domesticated livestock: cattle, oxen, bison, sheep, swine, goats, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, hinnies, llamas, alpacas, lagomorphs, ratites, and poultry.
ADEQUATE WATER. A constant access to a supply of clean, fresh water provided in a sanitary manner. In near or below freezing temperatures, the water must be changed frequently to prevent freezing, unless heated.
ANIMAL. Any live vertebrate creature, wild or domestic, other than human beings.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. Employees and agents designated by Harnett County Animal Services to enforce this subchapter. In the performance of their duties, Animal Control Officers shall have all the powers, authority, and immunity granted under this subchapter and by the general laws of this state to enforce the provisions of this subchapter, and the state statutes as they relate to the care, treatment, control, or impounding of animals.
ANIMAL SERVICES MANAGER. The Manager of Harnett County Animal Services or authorized representative.
CAT. A domestic feline of either sex of the genus and species Felis catus.
CROSSBREED. An animal produced by mating or hybridizing two different species, breeds, or varieties and offspring from all subsequent generations of that crossbred animal, such as the crossbreed between a wolf and a dog.
DIRECT CONTROL AND RESTRAINT. An animal is under direct control and restraint if it is obedient to a competent person's commands at all times; is within a secure enclosure; is obedient to an electronic collar or wireless device; is located within a vehicle, trailer, or other conveyance; or is leashed, chained, or restrained by a device of sufficient strength by a person or to a fixed object. A service dog and a hunting or working dog in the field or working are presumed to be under direct control and restraint.
DOG. A domestic canine of either sex of the genus, species, and subspecies Canis lupus familiaris.
EUTHANASIA. The humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that involves rapid unconsciousness and immediate death, or by a method that involves anesthesia, produced by an agent which causes painless loss of consciousness, and death during such loss of consciousness.
EXOTIC ANIMAL. Any animal which is not native or indigenous to North Carolina, does not have an established wild population in North Carolina, or is not regulated by the North Carolina State Wildlife Commission.
FERAL CAT. Cats unsuitable for adoption, as determined by the Animal Services Manager or designee.
FERAL DOG. Dogs unsuitable for adoption, as determined by the Animal Services Manager or designee.
GENERAL SERVICES DIRECTOR. The Director of the Harnett County General Services Department or authorized representative. The General Services Director is responsible for overall management of Animal Services; incorporating both Animal Control and Shelter Operations.
HEALTH DIRECTOR. The Director of the Harnett County Health Department or authorized representative.
HUNTING/WORKING DOG. A dog which is trained or being trained to assist in herding or hunting activities.
ISOLATION/QUARANTINE. The placing of an animal away from all other animals, food, and equipment in the area, for the sole purpose of preventing the spread of disease.
NEUTERED MALE. Any male which has been surgically operated on or medically treated to prevent reproduction.
OWNER/PERSON IN POSSESSION. Any person, group of persons, firm, partnership, or corporation owning, keeping, having charge of, sheltering, feeding, possessing, or taking care of any animal.
REPTILE. Any cold-blooded air breathing vertebrate with horny scales or plates such as a snake, lizard, or tortoise.
RUNNING AT LARGE. The running or wandering of animal(s) not under direct control of the owner, caretaker, and/or possessor that is not restrained by fence, tether, or other enclosure.
SANITIZE. To make physically clean, remove and destroy to a practical minimum, agents injurious to health.
SECURE ENCLOSURE. An enclosure from which an animal(s) cannot escape unless freed by an owner, caretaker, and/or possessor.
SERVICE DOG. Any dog which is trained or being trained to do work or perform tasks for a person who is blind, hearing impaired, or otherwise disabled. A dog whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support does not qualify as a service dog.
SPAYED FEMALE. Any female animal which has been surgically operated upon to prevent reproduction.
STRAY ANIMAL. A domesticated animal that roams at large and is not wearing any tags, microchips, tattoos, or other methods of identification.
TETHERING/CHAINING. A chain, cable, rope, or the like, by which an animal is fastened to a fixed object so as to limit its range of movement.
VACCINATION. The administration of anti-rabies vaccine, approved by the United States Bureau of Animal Industry, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, and the North Carolina Commission for Public Health.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL. An establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and injuries of animals.
WILD ANIMALS. All warm and cold blooded animals (other than livestock) not normally domesticated, including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, or other wild cats, wolves, bears, raccoons, monkeys, apes, reptiles, and any other non-domesticated animals including hybrids bred with these animals and domestic species, that because of their size or dangerous propensity or because they are poisonous, venomous, or for any other substantial reason, pose a potential danger to persons, other animals, or property, whether bred in the wild or in captivity.
(Ord. passed 6-4-2018; Ord. 2022-25, passed 10-17-2022)