For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONMENT. The voluntary relinquishment of possession by the owner with the intention of termination of his or her ownership, but without vesting possession in another person.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner while not under control of the owner or another person by leash, cord, chain, or other device of actual physical restraint or under the control of and accompanying the owner or another person who has the ability to control the dog by voice command.
DOG, CAT, and ANIMAL. Includes both male and female thereof.
IDENTIFIED COMPLAINT. A complaint in which the identity of the complainant is known to the Animal Warden or Police Department of the town, and whose identity is made a matter of public record or released to any person desiring same.
NUISANCE. Any one or more of the following conditions:
(1) A condition which arises by a dog barking consistently so as to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood;
(2) A condition which arises by a dog consistently, or at intervals, chasing bicycles or automobiles on the streets or sidewalks of the town; and/or
(3) A condition which arises by a dog, cat, or other animal which results in the destroying, defacing, or damaging of shrubbery, lawns, or flowers or which results in the general discomfort of citizens in the neighborhood where such dog, cat, or animal is harbored.
OFFICIAL WARNING. A written notice or warning given to the owner of a dog, cat, or animal by the Animal Warden, Chief of Police, or other member of the Police Department of the town, or Town Attorney, which notice or warning is based upon an identified complaint.
OWNER. Any person or persons, firm, association, or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring a dog, cat, or other animal.
RUNNING IN PACK. Three or more dogs, cats, or other animals at large together.
VICIOUS DOG. Any dog that has been known to have bitten a human being, without inflicting a personal injury, or a dog who promiscuously attacks other dogs and animals.
(2000 Code, § 1-1) (Ord. 1962-6, passed 10-9-1962; Ord. 2003-1, passed 3-3-2003)