For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The person, organization, or entity so designated by the City Administrator or their designee.
ANIMAL SHELTER. The Madera County Animal Shelter.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the of the person owning, or having possession, charge, custody, or control of, the animal and not under the immediate control of a person by means of an enclosure, leash, rope, or other means of immediate effective physical control; and shall mean on such premises of the person owning or possessing the animal, and not under such immediate effective physical control or under the immediate vocal command of a person, provided that whenever an animal control officer, employee, or officer of the city determines that an animal is loose on said premises outside of an enclosure and no person can be found on the premises or no person responds to the officer or employee's sounding of the door buzzer or bell or knock at the door of the main house on said premises, said animal is at large; and provided further, however, that the term shall not include any dog while being trained in an obedience or other training class or being exhibited at a show or obedience trial, or being used for bona fide hunting purposes, and while under the immediate physical or vocal control of a person.
AUTHORIZED AGENT. The person, organization, or entity so designated by the City administrator or City Council to administer the rabies vaccinating and/or licensing program for the city.
CURB. To so restrain or control an animal so that it does not defecate on property other than that of its owner except by the express consent of the owner of such property.
EXCESSIVE NOISE. The utterance, by any animal, of barks, howling, whining, cries, screeching, squeaking, squawking, or any noise which is loud, frequent and continual over a period of time and which disturbs the peace and comfort of a person or persons of ordinary sensitivity. Provided, however, it shall not be deemed to be excessive noise if at the time of the noise a person or persons reporting the excessive noise were trespassing or threatening to trespass upon the private property of the owner, or if the subject animal was being teased or provoked by someone not peaceably and lawfully on the property.
GUARD DOG. Any State of California certified dog trained to work with supervision for purposes of crowd control and to deter or detain unauthorized persons. Proof of certification is subject to review and approval by the Abatement and Compliance Division.
GUIDE DOG. Any certified dog trained to lead a blind person. Proof of certification is subject to review and approval by the Abatement and Compliance Division.
HEALTH OFFICER. The Health Officer of the city, and his or her assistants, deputies, and employees.
KENNEL. Any lot, building, structure, enclosure, or premises where any animal is boarded, trained, or kept for the purpose of sale or breeding whether in special buildings or runways or not.
OWNER. The legal owner or anyone in lawful possession or charge of a dog or other animal.
PUBLIC NUISANCE. Any animal engaged in activity deemed to disturb the peace or comfort of any neighborhood or interfere with the reasonable or comfortable enjoyment of life or property of any person. These acts may include, but are not limited to, running at large, excessive and continual barking, howling, or other animal noises, defecating on or destroying the property of another.
SENTRY DOG. Any State of California certified dog trained to work without supervision in a fenced facility and to deter or detain unauthorized persons found within the facility. Proof of certification is subject to review and approval by the Abatement and Compliance Division.
SERVICE DOG. Any certified dog trained to assist the physically disabled. Proof of certification is subject to review and approval by the Abatement and Compliance Division.
SIGNAL DOG. Any certified dog trained to assist a deaf person. Proof of certification is subject to review and approval by the Abatement and Compliance Division.
('61 Code, § 5-1.02) (Ord. 254 N.S., passed - - ; Am. Ord. 673, passed 5-21-97; Am. Ord. 686 C.S., passed 7-15-98; Am. Ord. 840 C.S., passed 6-18-08)