For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Every other living creature other than a human being, including domesticated and wild, male and female, singular and plural.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner and not under the control by leash of the owner, owner’s family member or an authorized person. For the purposes of this chapter, voice control shall not be considered in control.
CAT. All members of the family Felidae.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL. Any animal which when either unmuzzled, unleashed or unattended by owner or authorized person, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack upon streets, sidewalks or any other public place.
DOG. All members of the family Canidae.
FOUND TO BE VICIOUS. The circuit court or other court of competent jurisdiction has found the animal to be vicious as defined under this chapter and has entered an order based on that finding.
IMPOUNDED. Taken into custody of the pound in the village or county animal control facility.
LEASH. A cord, rope, strap or chain securely fastened to the collar or harness of an animal and of sufficient strength to keep the animal under control.
LIVESTOCK. Any ass, bison, calf, cattle, chicken, donkey, duck, fowl, goat, goose, horse, llama, mule, pony, sheep, swine or turkey.
LIVESTOCK YARD OR STRUCTURE. Every concentrated enclosure area, shed or structure used to house livestock.
OWNER. Any person having a right of property in an animal who keeps or harbors an animal, or who has the animal in his or her care, or acts as its custodian, exerts control over it, or who knowingly permits an animal to remain on or about premises owned, rented or controlled by the person.
POUND or ANIMAL CONTROL FACILITY. Any facility approved by the President and Board of Trustees for the purpose of enforcing this chapter and used as a shelter for impounded, seized, stray, homeless, abandoned or unwanted animals.
VICIOUS ANIMAL.
(1) Any individual animal that, unprovoked, inflicts bites or attacks a human being or other animal either on public or private property;
(2) Any individual animal with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, without provocation, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals;
(3) Any individual animal that has as a trait or characteristic and a generally known reputation for being vicious or dangerous, or for making unprovoked attacks upon human beings or other animals, unless handled in a particular manner or with special equipment;
(4) Any individual animal which attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation;
(5) Any individual animal which has been found to be a “dangerous animal” upon two separate occasions;
(6) Any individual animal that has been trained as an attack or guard dog and is found off the owner’s property; or
(7) Any individual animal that has been trained for fighting or is owned, kept or used for the purpose of fighting.
(Ord. 08-07-01, passed 7-22-2008)