For purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BIRD. Includes warm-blooded, 2-legged, egg-laying vertebrates with feathers and wings.
BITE. Seizure with the teeth or jaws of an animal so that the skin of the human being or animal has been gripped, pierced or broken.
CAT. All members of the feline family (Felis Cams).
CHICKEN COOP. An approved coop for egg-laying chickens.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. A designee of the Village, including but not limited to County Animal Services who may enforce the provisions contained in this chapter, and has the power and authority to issue and serve citations for any violation of this chapter. Whenever such term is used in this chapter, it shall mean the CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER or his or her designee.
COUNTY. Winnebago County or, where applicable, Boone County, State of Illinois.
DOG. Includes all animals, regardless of sex, of the canine species (Canis Familiaris).
DOMESTIC ANIMAL. Any animal, except a farm animal or dangerous animal, which has been domesticated so as to be kept in a tame condition as a household pet or guardian. This also includes feral cats as companion animal.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL AT LARGE. Any animal that is not leashed and under the control of the owner or a responsible person over 14 years of age. If the animal is on the owner's property, it is at large if it is not contained on the property by means of an invisible fence at all times able to contain the domestic animal within the confines of the owner's property, along with appropriate signage, fence, chain, owner's direct supervision, leash or other visible means of restraint sufficient to protect pedestrians on public property.
EUTHANASIA. Death brought about by any medically recognized method that produces instant loss of consciousness and results in painless death.
FARM ANIMAL. Includes horses, ponies, mules, bison, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, potbelly pigs or any other hoofed animals and fowl roosters, for no matter what purpose such animal is kept.
FERAL CAT CARETAKER. Any person or organization that cares for and feeds feral cats within the Village.
FOWL. Includes the larger, domesticated birds used as food, including chickens, ducks, emus, geese, peafowl, ostriches and turkeys.
HEN. A female, egg-laying chicken.
HUMANE SOCIETY. Any not-for-profit corporation chartered under the laws of the State of Illinois for the object of animal welfare and humane treatment.
KENNEL. Any establishment wherein any person engages in the business of boarding, building, buying, grooming, letting for hire, training for a fee or selling dogs; provided, however, that the ownership of dogs which are a part of the household shall not constitute the operation of a kennel. KENNEL shall not include any animal control and care facility, any kennel, pound or training facility operated by any subdivision of local, state or federal government, any Humane Society or veterinary hospital.
LEASH. A cord, rope, strap, chain or other device not to exceed 6 feet in length that is commercially produced and whose primary purpose is the restraint of domestic animals, and which is securely fastened to the collar or harness of a dog or other animal and which shall be of sufficient strength to keep such dog or animal under control.
OTHER ENTERPRISE. Any public or private animal attraction or exhibition staged temporarily or permanently, with or without charge to viewers, in compliance with applicable ordinances of the Village, statutes of the State of Illinois and federal laws, including but not limited to zoos, circuses, pony rides, rodeos, dog shows, cat shows, livestock exhibitions, horse shows, other shows or expositions utilizing or displaying animals, and businesses of any kind that place animals on display to the public for promotion or advertising purposes.
OWNER. Any person having a right of property in an animal, or who keeps or harbors any animal, or for purposes of this chapter, who has an animal in his care or custody or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits it to remain on or about any premises owned or occupied by him.
PERSON. Any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association or other legal entity.
STRAY ANIMAL. Any animal not under restraint and not in the presence of its owner.
TRAP. To capture, or attempt to capture, by setting or placing a leg hold trap, cushion-hold trap, body-gripping trap, cage or box trap, spring trap, dead/fall trap, pit/trap, snare or other similar device to capture, hold or kill any animal.
VETERINARIAN. A practicing veterinarian licensed by the State of Illinois.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL. Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment and/or surgery of diseases and injuries of animals.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any domestic animal that bites or attacks, or which is known to have bitten or attacked a human being or other animal, without provocation and where such human being or animal is lawfully entitled to be. Once an animal has been declared to be a vicious animal, the designation remains for the life of the animal.
(Ord. 2008-32, passed 6-5-2008; Am. Ord. 2014-46, passed 10-2-2014)