For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AT LARGE. Any dog, cat or other domesticated animal running AT LARGE means an animal which is not on a leash controlled by the owner or his or her agent, or restrained or confined to or within a building, fence, car, or other physical enclosure of sufficient design and construction to reasonably ensure the confinement of the particular animal to an area occupied by the owner. Invisible/electronic/hidden fences are not an enclosure of sufficient design and construction to reasonably ensure the confinement of the particular animal to an area occupied by the owner.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. The Department of Agriculture of the state. DOG. Includes a female, as well as a male.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL. The following are considered to be DOMESTIC ANIMALS:
(1) Dogs (not including hybrids of dogs);
(2) Cats (not including hybrids of cats);
(3) Domestic rodents (guinea pigs, hamsters, white rats, white mice);
(4) Farm animals (any member of the swine, ovine, caprine, bovine or equine families, poultry or rabbits);
(5) Non-life-threatening non-poisonous reptiles or amphibians;
(6) Non-poisonous, non-life-threatening fish; and
(7) All birds, except those protected as wild birds by state or federal statutes.
INOCULATION AGAINST RABIES. The injection, subcutaneously or otherwise, as approved by the Department of Agriculture of the state, of canine anti-rabid vaccine, approved by the Department of Agriculture.
INVISIBLE/ELECTRONIC/HIDDEN FENCE. Any electronic system designed to keep a pet or other domestic animal within a set of predefined boundaries without the use of a physical barrier.
LEASH. A cord, rope, strap, or chain, which shall be securely fastened to the collar or harness of a dog, cat or other animal and shall be of sufficient strength to keep such dog, cat or other animal under control. LEASHES shall be of a reasonable length to maintain control of the animal and to not impede the use and enjoyment of the parks for other patrons.
OWNER. A person having a right of property in a dog, cat, or other domesticated animal, or who keeps or harbors such an animal, or who knowingly has in his or her care, or who acts as its custodian, or knowingly permits such domesticated animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by the person.
UNDER CONTROL/RESTRAINT. A dog is UNDER CONTROL OR RESTRAINT within the meaning of this chapter if it is; within a vehicle being driven or parked on the streets or parking lots, unable to climb out of an opening in the vehicle; or within the property limits of its owner or keeper; or controlled by a leash. Animals must be kept on a leash, at all times when not on the personal property of the animal’s owner. At no time shall any domesticated animal be off leash in City of O’Fallon parks, streets, sidewalks, and any other city owned property, except where posted.
(1999 Code, § 90.01) (Ord. 770, passed 9-15-1975; Ord. 4066, passed 11-19-2018)