For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any dog, cat or other domestic animal, livestock, wild animal or vicious animal.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. Any Police Department officer, community resource officer or animal control officer whose duties include the supervision of the animal control facility and enforcement of state, county and city codes.
ANIMAL VIOLATION CITATION. A citation issued by the Animal Control Officer to an owner who has violated provisions of this chapter and commanding him or her to appear before the Magistrate Court or pay a fine by mail.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner while physically tethered to and immediately controlled by a leash.
BARKING DOG AS A PUBLIC NUISANCE. A dog that barks, bays, howls or makes any other noise continuously and incessantly or in such a loud or unusual manner as to disturb the sleep, peace, quiet or enjoyment of life or property by a reasonable person.
CAT AS A PUBLIC NUISANCE. A cat that damages, defiles or soils either public or private property or harms the lawful users or occupants thereof or a cat that makes excessive noise or attacks other animals.
COLLAR. A band, chain, harness or suitable device worn around the neck of an animal to which a tag may be affixed.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL. Any animal customarily designated as a pet, e.g., dog, cat, caged bird, rabbit, hamster and non-venomous reptile or snake which is permitted to live in or about the owner’s home and yard. Specifically excluded are vicious animals, wild animals and livestock.
FINE. Any fee imposed for violation of this chapter.
LIVESTOCK. Any animal, e.g., horse, mule, cow, sheep, goat, calf, swine, chicken or other animal traditionally maintained for market safe, human consumption or utility.
OWNER. Any person owning, keeping, possessing, controlling, harboring or maintaining an animal.
PUBLIC NUISANCE. An animal that does any of the following:
(1) Is at large;
(2) Damages property;
(3) Intimidates, injures or emotionally distresses any person;
(4) Chases a vehicle or bicycle;
(5) Excessively makes disturbing noises, including, but not limited to, continued barking, whining or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept;
(6) Causes by odor a fouling of the air and thereby creates unreasonable annoyance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept;
(7) Defecates while at large upon the surface of any public street, public sidewalk, public place or private property without thorough and immediate removal of the debris; or
(8) Causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where the animal is kept or harbored.
VACCINATION. Administration of any vaccine required by state, county or city code.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any animal that has a propensity to attack, impose fear of immediate harm, cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of the public, animals or property without provocation or that has been so declared after a hearing before the City Magistrate.
WILD ANIMAL. Any animal not historically kept as a domestic pet by the general public and is usually found living at will in a natural habitat.
(1976 Code, § 6-1)