For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any live vertebrate creature, wild or domestic, other than a human being, endowed with the power of voluntary motion, specifically including, but not limited to dogs, cats, farm animals, birds, fish and reptiles.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. Any person employed by the city to carry out the duties set forth in this chapter.
ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER. Any holding or other facility designated by the city for the detention of animals.
ANIMAL UNDER RESTRAINT. Any animal confined within a vehicle, confined in a secure enclosure within the real property limits of its owner or secured by leash, lead, chain or other physical device of sufficient strength to maintain the physical control of any animal or under the strict voice control of its owner.
AT LARGE ANIMAL. Any animal not physically located on the property of its owner and not under sufficient physical restraint such as a leash, cage, bridle or similarly effective device to allow the animal to be controlled.
CAT. Any domestic feline of either sex.
DOG. Any domestic canine of either sex.
OWNER. Any person owning, keeping, harboring, possessing or acting as custodian of any animal.
PUBLIC NUISANCE ANIMAL. Any animal or group of animals which:
(1) Is repeatedly found at large;
(2) Damages the property of anyone other than its owner;
(3) Is vicious;
(4) Causes fouling of the air by odors;
(5) Causes unsanitary condition of enclosures or other surroundings, including turning over garbage receptacles;
(6) By virtue of the number or type, is offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare;
(7) Excessively makes disturbing noises, including barking, whining or howling;
(8) Is diseased and dangerous to the public health;
(9) Chases or molests pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicles or their passengers, livestock or other domestic animals; or
(10) Is a stray animal.
SECURE ENCLOSURE. An enclosure or other device from which an animal cannot escape unless freed by the owner.
STRAY ANIMAL. Any domestic animal that roams at large without any apparent owner.
VACCINATION or INOCULATION. The administration of the anti-rabies vaccine approved by the U.S. Bureau of Animal Industry, the State Department of Agriculture and the State Board of Health.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any animal which constitutes a physical threat to human beings or other animals by virtue
of biting, chasing, attacking, molesting as to cause or have potential to cause physical injury or property damage.
WILD ANIMAL. Any warm- or cold-blooded animal not normally domesticated, including poisonous, crushing and giant reptiles regulated by the state or country, including, but not limited to lions, tigers, wild cats, wolves, bears, raccoons, monkeys and apes.
(`86 Code, § 4-2) (Am. Ord. 01-09-01, passed 9-18-01)