As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them respectively, regardless of whether or not the words and phrases are capitalized:
(a) “Animal” means all types of animals, other than human beings, both domesticated and non-domesticated.
(b) “At-Large” means off the premises of the owner.
(c) “Dangerous Dog” means any dog, other than a police dog, which without provocation has a propensity to bite or cause physical harm to a person or pet.
(d) “Dog” means any domesticated member of the canine species, male or female.
(e) “Exotic Animal” means any animal, including a hybrid offspring thereof, not indigenous to the State of Ohio.
(f) “Health officer” means the Health Commissioners of the Meigs County Health Department, or duly authorized representative.
(g) “Owner” means any person owning, keeping, possessing, harboring, maintaining, or having the care, custody or control of an animal.
(h) “Pet” means an animal that has been adapted or tamed to live in intimate association with or for the pleasure or advantage of people and includes, but is not limited to dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and hamsters. “Pet” does not mean any animal purposely kept as food.
(i) “Physical Harm” means any injury, illness or disease regardless of its gravity or duration.
(j) “Police Dog” means a dog owned by a law enforcement officer or agency and trained to assist in the performance of law enforcement duties.
(k) “Serious Physical Harm” means any injury, illness or disease which includes a risk of death; or which requires hospitalization; or which involves some permanent or substantial temporary incapacity or disfigurement; or which involves prolonged or acute and substantial pain.
(l) “Unsecured” means not securely confined indoors, or not securely restrained by means of a collar and chain, pen, fence or similar physical device, and in such a manner which effectively prevents the animal from going beyond the premises of the owner.
(m) “Vicious Animal” means any animal, other than a dog, which without provocation kills or causes serious physical harm to a person or pet.
(n) “Vicious Dog” means any dog, other than a police dog, which without provocation kills or causes serious physical harm to a person or pet.
(o) “Wild Animal” means any animal, including a hybrid offspring thereof, which is not naturally tamed or domesticated.
(p) “Without Provocation” means that the animal was not teased, tormented or abused by the person or pet it threatens or harms.
(Ord. 08-05. Passed 8-4-05.)