For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Does not include people but means any other mammal or any reptile, bird, or amphibian.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Any facility operated by a humane society, or a municipal agency, or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or state law.
AT-LARGE. Not securely confined by a fence or other means on premises under the control of, or occupied by, the owner, and not under the control of the owner, a member of his, her, or their immediate family over 12 years of age or an agent of the owner, by leash or otherwise not to exceed 15 feet, whether on the owner’s premises or not.
COMMERCIAL ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT. Any pet shop, grooming shop, auction, riding school or stable, zoological park, circus, performing animal exhibits, kennel, or like establishment.
GROOMING SHOP. A commercial establishment where animals are bathed, clipped, plucked, or otherwise groomed.
HUMANE OFFICER. Any person designated by the state, the municipality, or a humane society as a law enforcement officer qualified to perform such duties under this chapter or the laws of the state.
KENNEL. Any premises wherein any person engages in the business of either boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee, or selling dogs or cats.
LICENSING AUTHORITY. The Town Clerk-Treasurer or a veterinarian or veterinary hospital designated by the town.
OWNER. Any person, firm, or corporation owning, harboring, or keeping an animal. The occupant of any premises on which a pet remains, or to which it customarily returns, for a period of ten days or more, shall be deemed to be harboring or keeping the pet.
PET. Any animal kept for purposes other than utility or profit.
PET SHOP. Any person, partnership, or corporation except for a licensed kennel which as part of its business buys, sells, or boards animals.
PUBLIC NUISANCE. Any animal which:
(1) Molests passersby or passing vehicles;
(2) Attacks other animals;
(3) Is repeatedly at-large;
(4) Damages private or public property; or
(5) Whines or howls so as to repeatedly disturb the tranquility of the neighborhood.
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. Areas of the town included within the residentially used districts as fixed and established by the zoning code of the town.
RESTRAINT or UNDER RESTRAINT. Any animal secured by a leash not to exceed 15 feet, fenced or within the real property limits of its owner, or under the control of or obedient to the control of a responsible person.
RIDING SCHOOL or STABLE. Any place which has available for hire, boarding, and/or riding instruction, any horse, pony, donkey, mule, or burro.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL. Any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery or other diagnosis and treatment of injury or disease of animals.
VICIOUS ANIMAL. Any animal that has bitten, clawed, or attempted to bite or claw any person without undue provocation, or which threatens to bite or claw any person without undue provocation.
WILD ANIMAL. Any animal other than dogs, cats, or farm animals normally found in a wild or undomesticated state.
(Prior Code, § 4-101)
Statutory reference:
Town authority to regulate animals, see 11 O.S. § 22-115