For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DOGS. All animals of the canine, both male and female.
OWNER or KEEPER. Any person haying a right of property in a dog or who keeps or harbors a dog or who has it in his or her care, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog to remain on or about any premises owned or occupied by him or her.
RUNNING AT LARGE. Suffering a dog to be off the private premises of the owner or keeper, or his or her agent or servant, and not on a leash or confined to the arms, motor vehicle, trailer, or other conveyance of the owner or keeper, his or her agent or servant.
SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. Physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part of the body.
TRESPASSER. A person upon the premises of the owner or keeper of the dog in question without license or privilege to be upon said premises.
UNRESTRAINED DOG. Any dog running at large, or a dog on the premises of its owner or keeper but not confined to said premises by a leash, fence, structure, or other means that would prevent the dog from leaving such premises.
VICIOUS DOG. Any of the following dogs:
(1) Any dog, whether or not running at large, and whether or not unrestrained, that without provocation has bitten any person not a trespasser causing serious physical injury to that person;
(2) Any unrestrained dog, whether or not running at large, that without provocation has attempted to bite any person not a trespasser which would cause serious physical injury to that person;
(3) Any unrestrained dog, whether or not running at large, that without provocation has placed any person not a trespasser in apprehension of immediate serious physical injury; and
(4) Any dog that has killed another dog, cat, or other domestic animal without provocation.
(Prior Code, § 205.010)