For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONMENT. To knowingly abandon any animal without making any provisions for its adequate care and adequate control.
ADEQUATE CARE. Normal and prudent attention to the needs of an animal, including wholesome food, clean water, vaccinations, shelter, and health care as necessary to maintain good health in a specific species of animal.
ADEQUATE CONTROL. To reasonably restrain or govern an animal so that the animal does not injure itself, any person, any other animal, or property.
ANIMAL. Every living vertebrate except a human being.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The Chief of Police or any individual employed by the city or appointed by the city to enforce animal control regulations.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner or a member of his or her immediate family or his or her agent.
CAT. Any member of the feline (genus felis) family.
DOG. Any member of the canine (genus canis) family.
EUTHANIZE. To put to death in a humane way.
EXPOSED TO RABIES. When bitten by, or fought with, or has come in close contact with a dog or other animal shown to be infected with the rabies virus as determined by standard laboratory testing.
IMPOUND. To take into custody any animal, by any means, for the purpose of confinement.
KENNEL. Any premises upon which are kept more than three dogs or three cats over the age of six months.
LIVESTOCK ANIMALS. Cows, horses, mules, goats, sheep, poultry, domestic fowl, or other animals commonly associated with farming and agriculture, excepting hogs, pigs, or other swine.
NEGLECT. To fail to provide adequate care and adequate control of an animal.
OWNER/OWNERSHIP. In addition to its ordinary meaning, any person who possesses, cares for, has custody of, controls, manages, keeps, or harbors an animal. An animal shall be considered “harbored” if it is fed or sheltered for five consecutive days or more.
TRAP. Any mechanical device or snare which seeks to hold, capture, or kill an animal.
VACCINATION REGISTRATION. The vaccination for rabies and issuance of an appropriate “tag” by a practicing licensed veterinarian.
(Ord. 05-006, passed 10-18-2005)