For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Every living creature other than humans which may be affected by rabies.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. An adult resident of the city appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health and Safety to perform the duties set forth in this chapter.
CRIME-PREVENTION DOG. A dog which is formally trained and used primarily for the protection of the owner or his or her property, including guard or attack dogs.
DANGEROUS DOG. Any of the following:
(1) Any dog that, without provocation, inflicts severe injury on, or kills, a human being either on public or private property;
(2) Any dog, previously declared to be potentially dangerous and required to be registered pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, that continues the behavior described in the definition of potentially dangerous dog, as evidenced by:
(a) The unprovoked infliction of less-than-severe injury upon a human being while on either public or private property on more than one occasion;
(b) The unprovoked killing or infliction of severe injury on a domestic animal while at large on more than one occasion; or
(c) The unprovoked infliction of less-than-severe injury on a human being or domestic animal while at large on more than two occasions within a six-month period.
(3) Any dog declared to be
DANGEROUS or like term by any other jurisdiction pursuant to definitions and standards of DANGEROUS that are substantially similar to those set forth in this chapter.
DOG. All members of the family Canidae.
FERAL CAT. A cat that:
(1) Is born in the wild or is an offspring owned of feral cat and is not socialized;
(2) Is a formerly owned cat that has been abandoned and is no longer socialized; or
(3) Lives on a farm.
OWNER. Any person having a right of property in an animal, or who keeps or harbors an animal, or who has it in his or her care, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog to remain on any premises occupied by him or her. OWNER does not include a feral cat caretaker participating in a trap, spay/neuter, return-and-release program.
PERSON. Any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, society, association or other legal entity, any public or private institution or any other business unit.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG. Any of the following:
(1) Any dog that without provocation inflicts less-than-severe injury on any human being on either public or private property;
(2) Any dog at large that without provocation kills or inflicts severe injury on any other domestic animal; or
(3) Any dog at large that without provocation inflicts less-than-severe injury on any other domestic animal on more than one occasion within a six-month period.
SERIOUS INJURY. Any injury which results in a broken bone, lacerations severe enough to require multiple sutures, render cosmetic surgery necessary or appropriate or death.
SPAY or NEUTER. To alter surgically, chemically or by any other method routinely utilized by a veterinarian, a dog or cat for the purpose of rendering such incapable of reproduction.
TETHER. Attaching an animal to a stationary object by means of a chain, rope, cable or a similar restraint. TETHER shall not include the use of a leash by an owner to walk an animal.
VETERINARIAN. A person licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state.
(1994 Code, § 91.03) (Ord. 07-07, passed 11-13-2007)