For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any animal of a species that is susceptible to rabies, except humans.
AT LARGE. On or off premises of the owner and not under control of the owner or other person acting for the owner. Any dog in a suitable enclosure or confined shall not be considered to be running AT LARGE.
DEPARTMENT. The state’s Department of Health Services.
ENFORCEMENT AGENT. The person in each town who is responsible for the enforcement of this subchapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder or such other person as designated by the Council.
IMPOUND. The act of taking or receiving into custody by the enforcement agent any dog or other animal for the purpose of confinement in an authorized pound in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
KENNEL. An enclosed, controlled area, inaccessible to other animals, in which a person keeps, harbors or maintains five or more dogs under controlled conditions.
LIVESTOCK. Neat animals, horses, sheep, goats, swine, mules and asses.
OWNER. Any person keeping an animal other than livestock for more than six consecutive days.
POUND. Any establishment authorized for the confinement, maintenance, safekeeping and control of dogs and other animals that come into the custody of the enforcement agent in the performance of his or her official duties.
RABIES QUARANTINE AREA. Any area in which a state of emergency has been declared to exist due to the occurrence of rabies in animals in or adjacent to this area.
STRAY DOG. Any dog four months of age or older running at large that is not wearing a valid license tag.
VACCINATION. The administration of an anti-rabies vaccine to animals by a veterinarian or in authorized pounds by employees trained by a veterinarian.
VETERINARIAN. Unless otherwise indicated, means any veterinarian licensed to practice in the state or any veterinarian employed in the state by a governmental agency.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL. Any establishment operated by a veterinarian licensed to practice in the state that provides clinical facilities and houses animals or birds for dental, medical or surgical treatment. A VETERINARY HOSPITAL may have adjacent to it or in conjunction with it, or as an integral part of it, pens, stalls, cages or kennels for quarantine, observation or boarding.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any animal of the order carnivora that has a propensity to bite human beings without provocation and has been so declared after a hearing before a justice of the peace or a Town Magistrate.
WILDLIFE PREDATORS. Coyotes, bobcats, hawks, owls and other similar predators.
(Prior Code, § 6-2-1) (Ord. 01-07, passed - -2001; Ord. 10-17, passed - -2010)