For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
COMPETENT ADULT. An individual over 18 years of age with both the mental and physical ability to control the dog that he or she is harboring.
DANGEROUS DOG. A dog which has:
(1) Without provocation while off its owner's or harborer's premises causes an individual to reasonably believe that the dog will cause physical harm to a person; or
(2) A propensity or disposition to unprovokedly attack or cause injury to humans or domestic animals off its owner's or harborer's premises.
HARBOR. Control, possess or oversee.
HARMLESS DOG. A dog which is neither dangerous nor vicious.
INJURY. Any injury less than a severe injury.
LEASH. A rope, leather strap, chain or other type of tether with sufficient strength to bind a dog to the person harboring the dog.
OWNER. Any individual, person, partnership, firm, joint stock company, corporation, associations, trust, estate, or other legal entity. The knowledge and actions of the person employed by or agents acting on behalf of corporations or principals shall be imputed to be the knowledge and acts of both the individuals, corporations and principals. If the OWNER of a dog is a minor, then the minor's parent or legal guardian is deemed the owner for the purposes of this chapter.
PREMISES. The structure and the real property which is immediately surrounding the structure titled to or controlled by the owner or harborer of a dog. This shall include any place of residence, business or other property.
SEVERE INJURY. A physical injury to a human being that results in a broken bone or muscle tear requiring corrective or cosmetic surgery or resulting in hospitalization, any physical injury to a child under the age of six years requiring the treatment of a licensed physician.
VICIOUS DOG. Any dog which:
(1) Without provocation, has inflicted severe injury on a person;
(2) Has been trained for dog fighting or is kept primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting;
(3) Is a dog commonly defined as a pit bull; or
(4) Has been used in the commission of a crime.
(Ord. 00-O-14, passed 6-19-2000)