As used in this chapter:
ADEQUATE COLD WEATHER SHELTER. A shelter that when temperature is below 32°F at any time during a 24-hour period will provide a secondary source of heat including but not limited to cedar shavings or straw.
ADEQUATE ENVIRONMENT. The provision of a safe and sanitary environment for an animal, free of debris, hazards, waste and filth.
ADEQUATE FOOD. Provisions at suitable intervals, not to exceed 24 hours, of a sufficient quantity of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the species and age to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition for the animal.
ADEQUATE HOT WEATHER SHELTER. A shelter that shall be located, either in appropriate secondary shade or have shade provided for the animal by artificial means when temperature is in excess of 80°F at any time during a 24-hour period.
ADEQUATE SHELTER. Means: 1) an enclosure having four solid walls with an opening large enough to allow access to the animal, with a roof; 2) an igloo-shaped enclosure; or 3) another type of equivalent shelter designed specifically for a dog and approved by an Animal Services Officer. The enclosure must have a solid floor, be structurally sound and maintained in good repair, be constructed in such a manner that it is water and wind resistant, and have sufficient room for the animal to move about freely and lie down comfortably. Adequate shelter is to include the provision of cold weather shelter or hot weather shelter depending on conditions.
ADEQUATE STANDARDS OF CARE. The provision of adequate food, water, shelter, environment and vet care as defined in this section.
ADEQUATE VET CARE. The provision of vet care for an animal within 72 hours, or a time period determined appropriate by an Animal Services Officer when determined by an Animal Services Officer to be necessary.
ADEQUATE WATER. Constant access to a supply of clean, fresh, unfrozen, and potable water provided in a sanitary manner.
ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER. Animal Services Officers constitute Animal Control Officers as defined by N.C.G.S. §§ 67-30 et seq.
AT LARGE. A dog shall be deemed to be at large when off the curtilage of the owner's residence and not under restraint.
COUNTY. Lincoln County.
CURTILAGE. An area of land attached to a house and forming one enclosure with it. Includes the area immediately surrounding a dwelling.
EXOTIC ANIMALS. Exotic animals are animals which are not native to North Carolina other than domestic animals.
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT. A written contract between local government agencies such as a city, a county, a school board or a constitutional office.
OWNER. Shall mean any of the following:
(1) Any person who has legal title to any animal;
(2) Is responsible for an animal's care, actions, and behavior; or
(3) Takes control of any animal either inside the owner's house or becomes responsible for any animal's care for more than a period of 72 hours.
RESTRAINT. A dog is under restraint if it is confined within the curtilage of its owner's residence, is secured by a leash and under control of a responsible person, or is confined within a vehicle in a manner that prevents escape.
STRAY. Any domestic or exotic animal not under restraint and found off the property of its owner, or is wandering at large, and does not have an owner present.
TETHER(ING). To restrain a dog outdoors by means of a rope, chain, wire or other type of line for holding a dog, one end of which is fastened to the dog and the opposite end of which is connected to a stationary object or to a cable or trolley system. This definition does not include walking a dog with a handheld leash.
(Ord. passed 6-21-2021)