For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL. Any of the following:
(1) Any mammal, amphibian, fish, reptile, or fowl of a species which due to size, vicious nature, or other characteristics would constitute a danger to human life or physical well-being or to other animals;
(2) Any animal having a known disposition or propensity to attack, bite or injure any person or animal without provocation. Where the official records of the Animal Control Officer, Town Clerk/Treasurer, Police Department or Clerk/Treasurer of any court indicate that an animal has bitten or attacked any person or animal, it shall be prima facie evidence that the animal is a dangerous animal;
(3) Any animal owned or kept primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting or any animal trained or bred for fighting; and
(4) Any animal which is urged by its owner or keeper to attack, or whose owner or keeper threatens to cause the animal to attack, any law enforcement officer while the officer is engaged in the performance of official duty and when the animal has the apparent ability to cause injury or harm to the officer.
OWN or KEEP. To own, keep, harbor, control, manage, possess, maintain or have charge or custody of or provide care for.
OWNER or KEEPER. Any person who owns or keeps a dangerous animal.
PERSON. Includes any natural person, association, partnership, organization or corporation.
PIT BULL DOG. Any and all of the following dogs:
(1) The Staffordshire bull terrier breed of dogs;
(2) The American Staffordshire terrier breed of dogs;
(3) The American pit bull terrier breed of dog;
(4) Any other breed commonly known as pit bull, pit bull dog or pit bull terrier; or
(5) Dogs which have the appearance and characteristics of being predominately of the breeds of dogs known as the Staffordshire bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier or the American pit bull terrier. The registration of a dog at any time as any of the dogs listed above shall constitute prima facie evidence the animal is a pit bull dog.
REGISTERED DANGEROUS ANIMAL. Including pit bull dogs, means an animal for which a permit has been properly obtained within 30 days of the effective date of this subchapter and in accordance with § 92.19.
(Ord. 05-14-07-1, passed - -2007)