For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The person contracted with by the City Council, designated as such by it, to perform the duties prescribed by this subchapter as an independent contractor.
AT LARGE. When a dog it is off the property of the person owning, harboring, or keeping a dog and it is not under restraint.
CITATION. A notice or complaint issue by the Animal Control Officer to the owner of any animal apprising the owner of one or more violations of this subchapter.
COMMERCIAL KENNEL/BOARDING. A facility or service where dogs, cats and/or other small household pets as permitted by city code are kept or maintained (day or overnight), for the care, training, exercising and/or socializing by a person other than the owner of the animals for a fee. Animal boarding may include incidental grooming, dog walkers or training services. Animal boarding does not including facilities that provide breeding of animal, selling of animals, or facilities whose primary source of revenue is licensed veterinarian services.
DOG KENNEL. Any place, building, tract of land, boat, or vehicle wherein or whereupon dogs are kept, congregated, or confined, the dogs having been obtained from municipalities, dog pounds, dog auction, or by advertising for unwanted dogs, or dogs abandoned or stolen.
OWNER. Any person owning, keeping, harboring, or acting as custodian of a dog or other domesticated animal.
PERSON. Any individual, firm, partnership, or corporation.
PREMISES. Any building, structure, shelter, or land whereon dogs or other animals are kept or confined.
PUBLIC NUISANCE ANIMAL OR ANIMALS. Any animal or animals which:
(1) If dog or dogs is/are repeatedly found at large;
(2) Damages the property of anyone other than its owner;
(3) Is/are vicious animal(s);
(4) Causes fouling of the air by odor;
(5) Causes unsanitary conditions of enclosures or surroundings;
(6) By virtue of number of types of animals maintained are offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety, or welfare;
(7) Excessively makes disturbing noises;
(8) Molests passer(s)by or passing vehicles; or
(9) Attacks other domestic animals.
UNDER RESTRAINT. On the premises of the person harboring or keeping the dog; within a private motor vehicle of a person owning, harboring, or keeping the dog; or controlled by a leash not exceeding six feet in length.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL. Place for the treatment, hospitalization, surgery, care, and boarding of animals or birds, which place is owned and operated by a licensed veterinarian.
VICIOUS ANIMAL OR ANIMALS. Any animal or animals which constitute a physical threat to human beings or other animals by virtue of one or more attacks of such severity as to cause property damage or physical injury, however slight.
(Prior Code, § 6-2-1) (Ord. 805, passed 8-14-2023)