For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DANGEROUS OR VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any of the following:
(1) Any animal which, according to the records of the appropriate authority, has inflicted or caused, directly or indirectly, severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property;
(2) Any animal which, while off the owner’s property, kills or severely injures a domestic animal without provocation; or
(3) Any animal owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of animal fighting or any animal trained for animal fighting.
OWNER. Any person owning, keeping, having charge of, sheltering, feeding, harboring or taking care of any animal. The OWNER is responsible for the care, actions and behavior of his or her animal. If the OWNER or keeper of any animal is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor shall be held liable for noncompliance with the provisions of this article.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ANIMAL. Any of the following:
(1) Any animal which, when unprovoked, chases or approaches a person upon the streets, sidewalks or any public or private property in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack;
(2) Any animal with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury or to otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or
(3) Guard or attack dogs.
SEVERE INJURY. Any physical injury that results in serious bodily harm, including, but not limited to lacerations, puncture wounds or broken bones. Such injury may be the direct result of an animal attack or indirect, such as an injury sustained in an attempt by a human to avoid a dangerous or vicious animal.
Statutory reference:
Authority of town to regulate the possession or harboring of dangerous animals, see G.S. § 153A-131