For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AGGREGATE. A whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements.
ANIMAL. Every living creature, other than humans, which may be affected by rabies.
AT LARGE. Any animal when it is off the premises of its owner’s real property and not restrained by a competent person.
CAT. Felis catus.
COMPANION ANIMAL. An animal that is commonly considered to be, or is considered by the owner to be, a pet. COMPANION ANIMAL includes, but is not limited to, canines, felines and equines.
COMPETENT PERSON. A person 11 years of age or older, capable of physically controlling the animal in question and to whose command the animal is obedient.
CONFINED. Restriction of an animal at all times by the owner, or his or her agent, to an escape-proof building, house or other enclosure away from other animals and the public.
DOG. All members of the family Canidae.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL.
(1) The following are considered to be
DOMESTIC ANIMALS:
(a) Domestic rodents (guinea pigs, hamsters, white rats, white mice);
(b) Farm animals (any member of the swine, ovine, caprine, bovine or equine families, poultry or rabbits);
(c) Non-life-threatening, nonpoisonous reptiles or amphibians;
(d) Nonpoisonous, non-life-threatening fish; and
(e) All birds, except those protected as wild birds by state or federal statutes.
(2) As it applies to this chapter,
DOMESTIC ANIMALS means a dog as defined in this section or a cat as defined in this section or both.
DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
EXOTIC ANIMAL. Any nondomestic animal not native to the state.
FERAL CAT. A cat that is born in the wild or is the offspring of an owned or FERAL CAT and is not socialized, is a formerly owned cat that has been abandoned and is no longer socialized, or lives on a farm.
KENNEL. As it applies to this chapter, means a structure or shelter for dogs or cats or any building, collection of buildings or a property in which dogs or cats are housed and maintained.
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.
OWNER. Any person 17 years of age or older; or parent or guardian of any person under the age of 17 years; or parent or guardian of an incapacitated person having a right of property in an animal; or who acts as custodian, cares for, keeps, feeds or knowingly permits an animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by such person; or a person who registers an inoculation certificate for an animal with the county.
POULTRY. Domesticated birds raised for show, eggs or meat.
REDEMPTION FEE. Costs incurred when impounding an animal, which include the handling and processing of the animal’s entry and exit into the animal shelter. This fee shall not include boarding, medical or transportation costs incurred by the shelter in keeping such animal.
RESTRAINT. Any animal that is not found on the property of its owner when it is:
(1) Controlled by a line or leash not more than six feet in length when such line or leash is held by a competent person;
(2) Controlled by a leash of 50 feet or less during a training session conducted by a competent person;
(3) Confined within a motor vehicle; and
(4) Confined in a cage or other animal carrier.
SECURE ENCLOSURE. A structure of sufficient height and construction that does not allow contact between the animal confined and other animals or persons.
STERILIZED. The surgical spay of a female animal or castration of a male animal, so as to render such animal incapable of reproducing.
WILD ANIMAL. Any living member of the animal kingdom (including exotic animals) other than a domestic animal.
(Ord. 2017-4-11, passed 4-11-2017)