(A) The language set forth in the text of this Chapter shall be interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction:
(1) The singular number includes the plural number, and the plural the singular.
(2) The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive.
(3) The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter.
(B) Whenever in this Chapter the following words and phrases are used, they shall, for the purposes of this Chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this subchapter, except when the context otherwise indicates:
ANIMAL. Any living creature other than a human being.
AT LARGE. Any animal is "at large" on private or public property unless: It is (1) under control, by leash or tether, of the owner or a member of the owner's immediate family over ten years of age; or (2) supervised by the owner in a fenced yard; or (3) restrained by a leash or tether within the property borders; or (4) kept within the property borders by electronic means; or (5) kept in an area such as a kennel run. Any dog or cat that is unlawfully at large pursuant to this Chapter may be deemed to be a "stray domestic animal" for the purposes of this Chapter.
BITE. Seizure of the skin of a human being or animal seized by the teeth or jaws of an animal and includes contact of the saliva of the biting animal with any break or abrasion of the skin of the human being or animal bitten.
CAT. Any member of the classification: Felis catus.
DOG. Any member of the classification: Canis familiaris.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL. Animals, other than Farm Animals, commonly considered as house pets, including but not limited to cats and dogs.
FARM ANIMALS. Any of the following animals: sheep, cattle, swine (including pot belly pigs), goats, chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, pigeons and guinea fowl.
GUIDE DOG or COMPANION ANIMAL. Any dog trained by a recognized organization to lead the legally blind or deaf; or any animal trained by a recognized organization to assist in the daily activities of a blind, deaf or otherwise physically handicapped person.
INOCULATION or VACCINATION AGAINST RABIES. The injection, as approved by the Department of Agriculture, State of Illinois, of a vaccine approved by said Department, with verification thereof consisting of a current certificate and current tag issued in accordance with the statutes of the State of Illinois.
KENNEL or PET SHOP. Any establishment for the raising, training, boarding or selling of domestic animals for hire or profit where more than three dogs or cats are harbored or kept.
KILL. Death brought about by any method which produces loss of consciousness and results in humane death.
OWNER. Any person having a right of property in any domestic animal or who keeps or harbors any domestic animal in his care or custody for 30 consecutive days.
STRAY ANIMAL. Any animal upon property other than that of the owner and not under restraint and not in the presence of its owner.
UNDER CONTROL. Any animal either secured by a leash or lead, or within the premises of its owner, or confined within a crate, or confined within a vehicle, or within the premises of another person with the consent of that person, or within an area specifically designated by the Village as an animal exercise run when the animal is under the control of a competent person.
VICIOUS or DANGEROUS ANIMAL. Any or all of the following:
(a) Any animal with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, or to cause injury to, or otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or
(b) Any animal which because of its size, physical nature, or vicious propensity is capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to humans; or
(c) Any animal which, without provocation, attacks or bites, or has attacked or bitten, a human being or domestic animal; or
(d) Any animal owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting, or any animal trained for fighting.
WILD ANIMAL. All species of undomesticated animals, feral animals, or poisonous reptiles that have been bred as pets, or offered for the purpose of sale or as a gift as pets.
(Ord. 06-2591, passed 8-22-06; Am. Ord. 06-2596, passed 10-10-06)