For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AUDIBLY IMPAIRED. Audibly impaired as defined in § 1 of Public Act 82 of 1981, being M.C.L.A. § 752.61.
BLIND PERSON. A blind person as defined in § 1 of Public Act 260 of 1978, being M.C.L.A. § 393.351.
DANGEROUS DOG.
(1) Any dog that bites or attacks a person or other domestic animal without being provoked;
(2) Any dog with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury to or to otherwise endanger the safety of humans or other domestic animals;
(3) Any dog deemed a dangerous dog by a court of law; and
(4) Exceptions: a dangerous dog does not include any of the following:
(a) A dog that bites or attacks a person who is trespassing on the property of the dog’s owner;
(b) A dog that bites or attacks a person who provokes or torments the dog;
(c) A dog that is responding in a manner that an ordinary and reasonable person would conclude was designed to protect a person engaged in a lawful activity or is the subject of an assault; and
(d) A dog being used by a law enforcement officer to carry out the law enforcement officer’s official duties.
DEAF PERSON. A deaf person as defined in § 1 of Public Act 82 of 1981, being M.C.L.A. § 752.61.
DOG. Any dog of the species Canis familiaris.
KENNEL. A place where more than three dogs are kept.
OWNER. Any person or other legal entity having a right of property in a dog or who harbors, cares for, exercises control over, or knowingly permits any dog to remain on premises occupied by the person or entity.
PERSON WITH DISABILITIES. A person who is audibly impaired, blind, deaf or otherwise physically limited.
PHYSICALLY LIMITED. As defined in § 1 of Public Act 1 of 1966, being M.C.L.A. § 125.1351.
PROVOKE. To perform a willful act or omission that any ordinary or reasonable person would conclude is likely to precipitate the bite or attack by an ordinary animal.
REASONABLE CONTROL. Keeping a dog on a suitable leash or under the oral control of the owner or custodian or some other person with the permission of the owner or custodian, in all cases other than while upon private property.
RUNNING AT LARGE. Permitting any dog to leave the premises of its owner without being on a leash and under the control of a person physically able to control the dog or any dog on private property not enclosed, restrained or kept in such a manner to prevent the dog from entering a street, public place, or premises of another.
SERIOUS INJURY. Any physical injury that results in broken bones or lacerations that require sutures, cosmetic surgery or other serious medical care and treatment.
(Prior Code, § IV-2.01)