For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Dog, cat, bird, reptile, mammal, fish or any other dumb creature.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The agent of the county’s Department of Animal Control or any other officers designated for such duties by the township.
ANIMAL SHELTER. The county’s Animal Shelter or the Humane Society of the county.
COUNTY. The County of Kent.
DEPARTMENT. The county’s Department of Animal Control.
DIRECTOR. The Director of the county’s Department of Animal Control.
IMPOUNDED. If any animal, pursuant to this chapter or any statute, has been received into the custody of any animal shelter, such animal will have been IMPOUNDED, as that word is used in this chapter.
OWNER. When applied to the proprietorship of an animal, every person having a right of property in the animal, every person who keeps or harbors the animal or has it in his or her care or every person who permits the animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her. For the purposes of this chapter, any person keeping or harboring any animal for seven consecutive days shall be deemed the OWNER thereof, within the meaning of this chapter.
PERSON. Includes an individual, partnership, corporation, trust and any association of persons.
RUNNING AT LARGE. Any time an animal runs, or is free to run, outside of a fenced run or yard without being restrained on a substantial chain or leash.
TOWNSHIP. The Township of Sparta.
(Prior Code, § 52.002) (Ord. 148, passed 3-6-1980)