For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates, or requires, a different meaning.
ANIMAL. All domestic animals.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The person employed for the position is under the supervision of the County Sheriff. The duties of the ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER shall be the enforcement of this chapter and such state statutes concerning animal control as the Officer is permitted.
ANIMAL SHELTER. The shelter approved for animal control, as established by the County Board of Commissioners from time to time.
BARKING DOGS. No person shall allow the barking, yelping, whining, or howling of a dog for a continuing period of more than 15 minutes. The Animal Control Officer, and any law enforcement officer, may take steps to immediately correct the situation and cause the noise to be abated, either through the issuance of a citation, or impounding the animal if no owner or agent can be found at the time of disturbance. This definition is to be enforced from the period of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. prevailing time. However, this definition is not intended to be enforced during hunting activities where the dogs are engaged in lawful hunting activities, or at any other lawful activity that may occur, and also exempts any police dog activities being conducted under the supervision of any law enforcement agency.
DISPOSAL OF ANIMALS. Euthanasia, release for adoption, release to environment, or sale to licensed kennel; all shall be proper forms of disposal for animals received by the animal shelter.
NEGLECT. An animal that is not fed or watered such as to keep the animal healthy, if deprived of shelter from extreme weather conditions, or if the animal is tortured or abused.
PRESUMED ABANDONED. Animals which are not reclaimed by the end of the third working day after pick up by the animal shelter or authorities are hereby PRESUMED ABANDONED and without ownership. Animals which are wearing a current dog license tag shall not be PRESUMED ABANDONED if, during the reclaim period, the owner requests up to three additional days to make the reclaim, and assures the Animal Control Officer, or the shelter operator, that the boarding fees will be paid.
PUBLIC NUISANCE. Acts which constitute a public nuisance that include: Attacking or chasing persons or other animals; trespassing on school grounds; damaging property of one other than the owner; roaming at large; or running with other animals so as to constitute a pack of animals, such as dogs.
(Ord. 1995-01, passed 1-9-1995; Ord. passed 7-7-2008)