For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, bird (including fowl and poultry) or other member commonly accepted as a part of the animal kingdom. ANIMALS shall be classified as follows.
(1) DOMESTIC. Those animals commonly accepted as domesticated household pets. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include dogs, cats, caged birds, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated rabbits, fish, non-poisonous, non- venomous and non-constricting reptiles or amphibians and other similar animals.
(2) NON-DOMESTIC. Those animals commonly considered to be naturally wild and not naturally trained or domesticated, or which are commonly considered to be inherently dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of people. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include:
(a) Any member of the large cat family (family felidae) including lions, tigers, cougars, bobcats, leopards and jaguars, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated house cats;
(b) Any naturally wild member of the canine family (family canidae) including wolves, coyotes, dingoes and jackals, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated dogs;
(c) Any crossbreeds such as the crossbreed between a wolf and a dog, unless the crossbreed is commonly accepted as a domesticated house pet;
(d) Any member or relative of the rodent family, including any skunk (whether or not de-scented), raccoon, squirrel or ferret, but excluding those members otherwise defined or commonly accepted as domesticated pets;
(e) Any poisonous, venomous, constricting or inherently dangerous member of the reptile or amphibian families including rattlesnakes, boa constrictors, pit vipers, crocodiles and alligators; and
(f) Any other animal which is not explicitly listed above, but which can be reasonably defined by the terms of this definition, including, but not limited to, bears, deer, monkeys and game fish.
(3) FARM ANIMALS. Those animals commonly associated with a farm or performing work in an agricultural setting. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include members of the equestrian family (horses, mules), bovine family (cows, bulls), sheep, turkeys, fowl (ducks, geese), swine (including Vietnamese potbellied pigs), goats, bees and other animals associated with a farm, ranch or stable. Chickens are not classified as farm animals and may be kept on residentially zoned properties in accordance with the provisions of §§ 90.50 et seq. of this code.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner and not under the custody and control of the owner or other person, either by leash, cord, chain or otherwise restrained or confined.
CAT. Both the male and female of the felidae species commonly accepted as domesticated household pets.
DOG. Both the male and female of the canine species, commonly accepted as domesticated household pets, and other domesticated animals of a dog kind.
OWNER. Any person or persons, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping or harboring an animal.
RELEASE PERMIT. A permit issued by the Police Department for the release of any animal that has been taken to the pound. A RELEASE PERMIT may be obtained upon payment of a fee in accordance with that regular license requirement if the animal is unlicensed, payment of a release fee and any maintenance costs incurred in capturing and impounding the animal. The release fee shall be $25 the first time an animal is impounded, $50 the second time it is impounded and $75 for the third and each subsequent time the same animal is impounded. For the purpose of a RELEASE PERMIT, any change in the registered ownership of an animal subsequent to its impoundment and release shall reset that animal’s impoundment count to the beginning of the fee scale.
(Prior Code, § 90.01) (Ord. 595, passed 6-1-1999; Ord. 595, passed 7-6-1999; Ord. 05-2022, passed 8-16-2022)