For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Every living creature, other than man, which may be affected by rabies.
ANIMAL CONTROL ADMINISTRATOR. A veterinarian licensed by the State of Illinois and appointed pursuant to the Illinois Animal Control Act, being ILCS Ch. 510, Act 5, §§ 1 et seq., or his or her duly authorized representative.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The city’s Chief of Police, or police officers authorized by him or her to perform his or her duties on his or her behalf, or other person appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.
AT LARGE. Any dog not under restraint as defined herein.
CITY. The City of Metropolis.
DANGEROUS DOG. Any individual dog when it is not muzzled, unleashed or unattended by its owner that behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to a person or a companion animal in a public place.
DOG. Any animal of the canine species.
ENCLOSURE. A fence or structure of at least six feet in height, forming or causing an enclosure suitable to prevent the entry of young children, and suitable to confine a vicious dog in conjunction with other measures that may be taken by the owner or keeper, such as tethering of the vicious dog within the enclosure. The ENCLOSURE shall be secured enclosed and locked and designed with secure sides, top and bottom and shall be designed to prevent the animal from escaping from the enclosure. If the enclosure is a room within a residence, the door must be locked. A vicious dog may be allowed to move about freely within the entire residence if it is muzzled at all times.
FIGHT. A prearranged conflict between two or more animals, but shall not include a conflict that is unorganized or accidental.
IMPOUNDED. Taken into the custody of the city’s public animal control facility.
INOCULATION AGAINST RABIES. The injection, subcutaneously or otherwise, as approved by the Department of Agriculture, of the canine anti-rabies vaccine approved by the Department.
LEASH. A cord, rope, strap or chain which shall be securely fastened to the collar or harness of a dog or other animal and shall be of sufficient strength to keep such dog or other animal under control.
LIVESTOCK. Cattle, calves, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats, poultry and any other animal which can or may be used in and for the preparation of meat or meat products for consumption by human beings or animals.
NON-DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. Animals that are not domesticated so as to live and breed in a tame condition. Also known as wild animals, these animals include but are not limited to raccoons, wolves, coyotes, groundhogs, bobcats and other animals normally found only in the wilderness.
OWNER. Any person having a right of property in a dog or other animal, or who keeps or harbors a dog or other animal, or who has it in his or her care, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog or other domestic animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her.
POUND. The city pound or other facility approved by the Chief of Police for the impoundment of animals.
PUBLIC ENTRANCE. The entranceway of a residence or other building closest to the public street or sidewalk or one which would be reasonably perceived by the public to be the entrance to the dwelling available for public use.
RESTRAINT. An animal is under restraint if it meets the following conditions:
(1) Attached to a leash held by a responsible person;
(2) Attached to a structure or fixture in such a manner that it is unable to reach beyond the limits of the owner’s property and is unable to reach or harm public utility or other service workers or casual visitors to the owner’s property using the public entrance or persons placing mail in the mailbox or delivering newspapers at the request of the owners;
(3) Enclosed in a fenced yard form which it is unable to escape without assistance from a person.
WORKING DAY. Any day when the office or public entity referred to was open for the transaction of business.
VICIOUS DOG. A dog that, without justification, attacks a person and causes serious physical injury or death or any individual dog that has been found to be a dangerous dog on three separate occasions.
(Ord. 2005-29, passed 9-13-2005)