For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL CONTROL. The animal control component of this chapter, which includes the animal control function for the jurisdiction, however denominated.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS. Any Animal Control Officer employed or authorized by the jurisdiction.
ANIMAL CONTROL SUPERVISOR. The officer or employee placed in supervision of Animal Control. In the county, the Animal Control Supervisor shall report to the Health Director.
ANIMAL SHELTER. The animal shelter operated and maintained by the county for the purpose of impounding animals under the authority of the chapter or the general statutes of the state for the care, confinement, return to owner, adoption or humane euthanasia.
BREEDER KENNEL. One who breeds more then one breed of animals(s), where by the animals are bred for sale and or profit.
CAT. A domestic or feral feline of either sex.
DOG. A domestic canine of either sex.
DOG HAVING DANGEROUS OR DESTRUCTIVE PROPENSITIES. A dog which has been trained or taught to attack humans or other animals, or a dog which habitually turns over garbage receptacle, habitually destroys shrubs, flowers, grass and other plant growth, habitually kills other animals, habitually attacks or attempts to attack persons or habitually performs other similar acts.
ENCLOSURE. Pen, paddock, stall, stable or pasture with properly hung and marked fence.
EQUINE. Horse, mule, donkey and pony.
HARBORING OF ANIMAL. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered seven days or more, unless the animal is being boarded for a fee.
HAZARD. Any object above or below ground natural or artificial that could cause harm or injury to the animal.
HUNTER KENNEL. Dog must be used only for the purpose of hunting.
IMPOUNDED. Any animal which is received into custody by the county animal shelter.
INCORPORATED AREA. This term shall apply to the area within the corporate limits of any town or municipality within the county if the governing body of such town or municipality adopts a resolution indicating that it is to be treated as an incorporated area under this chapter.
KEEPER. Any person, acting in the capacity of the owner, or at the owner’s request, who is responsible for the care, welfare and maintenance of the animal.
LIVESTOCK. Any animal(s) (excluding rabbits, dogs and cats), including riding animals, horses or other beasts of burden, farm animals including, but not limited to, cattle, swine, goats, sheep, domestic fowl, wild animals and exotic or unusual animals; or any animal used for breeding purposes.
NEUTERED MALE. Any male dog or cat which has been rendered sterile by a surgical procedure.
OWNER. Any person, group of persons, firm, partnership, corporation, organization or association owning, keeping, having charge of, sheltering, feeding, harboring or boarded any animal for a fee. The OWNER is responsible for the care, actions and behavior of his or her animal(s).
PET KENNEL. Rescue groups with 503C status, someone who fosters animals for a rescue group.
PUPPY MILL. An individual or group of individuals that sell or trade to the general public, puppies and dogs of various breeds from accumulated stock. The characteristics of a PUPPY MILL are unsanitary conditions, poor quality or quantity of food, minimal veterinary care and/or overcrowded condition. The intent of a PUPPY MILL is to make a profit with little regard to the welfare of the animals in its custody.
PROPER ENCLOSURE. A structure from which a dog cannot escape, or an outside area enclosed by a fence at least six feet high secured to the ground in a manner that the dog cannot escape.
SPAYED FEMALE. A female dog or cat which has been rendered sterile by a surgical procedure.
STRAY. Any domestic animal that is not under restraint or is not on the property of its owner and is wandering at large, or is lost, or does not have an owner, or does not bear evidence of the identification of any owner.
VACCINATION. The administration of rabies vaccine as required by state law.
WILD ANIMAL. Any animal which can normally be found in the wild state, particularly those feral, exotic, dangerous or non-domestic animals which generally do not live in or about the habitation of humans, including, but not limited to, deer, lions, monkeys, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, tigers and snakes.
(1987 Code, § 8-2-01) (Ord. passed 2-8-2005)