For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, bird (including all fowl and poultry), or other member commonly accepted as a part of the animal kingdom. Animals shall be classified as follows:
(1) DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Those animals commonly accepted as domesticated household pets. Unless otherwise defined, domestic animals shall include dogs, cats, caged birds, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated rabbits, fish, non-poisonous, non-venomous and non-constricting reptiles or amphibians, and other similar animals.
(2) FARM ANIMALS. Those animals commonly associated with a farm or performing work in an agricultural setting. Unless otherwise defined, farm animals shall include members of the equine family (horses, mules), bovine family (cows, bulls), sheep, poultry (chickens, turkeys), fowl (ducks, geese), swine (including Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs), goats, bees, and other animals associated with a farm, ranch, or stable.
(3) NON-DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Those animals commonly considered to be naturally wild and not naturally trained or domesticated, or which are commonly considered to be inherently dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of people. Unless otherwise defined, non-domestic animals shall include but not be limited to:
(a) Any member of the large cat family (family felidae) including lions, tigers, cougars, bobcats, leopards, and jaguars, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated house cats.
(b) Any naturally wild member of the canine family (family canidae) including wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, and jackals, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated dogs.
(c) Any crossbreeds such as the crossbreed between a wolf and a dog, unless the crossbreed is commonly accepted as a domesticated house pet.
(d) Any member or relative of the rodent family including any skunk (whether or not descented), raccoon, squirrel, or ferret, but excluding those members otherwise defined or commonly accepted as domesticated pets.
(e) Any poisonous, venomous, constricting, or inherently dangerous member of the reptile or amphibian families including rattlesnakes, boa constrictors, pit vipers, crocodiles, and alligators.
(f) Any other animal which is not explicitly listed above but which can be reasonably defined by the terms of this section, including, but not limited to, bears, deer, monkeys, and game fish.
AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner and not under the custody and control of the owner or other person, either by leash, cord, chain, or otherwise restrained or confined.
BASIC CARE. All animals shall receive from their owners or keepers kind treatment, housing in the winter, and sufficient food and water for their comfort.
CAT. Both the male and female of the felidae species commonly accepted as domesticated household pets.
DOG. Both the male and female of the canine species, commonly accepted as domesticated household pets, and other domesticated animals of a dog kind.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL. Companion animals who help their owners cope with the challenges associated with emotional and mental health conditions (such as depression and anxiety) by providing comfort with their presence. Unlike service and therapy dogs, emotional support animals are not expected to perform specific tasks related to their owner's condition, nor must they adhere to any behavior standards or training. Their presence alone is what is thought to provide their owner with solace and therapeutic benefit. Emotional support animals are not allowed in public places, with the exception of air travel, which requires special documentation. The Fair Housing Act requires that most housing units accommodate emotional support animals with appropriate documentation.
ENFORCING OFFICER. The Council appointed Enforcement Officer(s), police department to enforce the provisions of this section. In the officer’s duty of enforcing the provisions of this section he or she may from time to time, with the consent of the City Council, designate assistants.
OWNER. Any person or persons, firm, association, or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring an animal.
POUND. The Council designated official pounds to which animals found in violation of this chapter shall be taken for safe treatment, and if necessary, for destruction.
SERVICE DOGS. Service dogs (also known as "assistance dogs") are trained to perform quantifiable tasks that directly ease the challenges associated with their owner's physical, psychiatric, sensory, and/or developmental disability. The most common types of SERVICE DOGS include guide, hearing, medical alert, mobility, autism service, and psychiatric service dogs (such as those who assist veterans with post-traumatic stress). Having a service dog provides handlers with greater independence, as well as enriched confidence to leave their home, foster social relationships, and enter or re-enter the workforce.
TEMPORARY. 30 days.
THERAPY DOG. Together with their owners, THERAPY DOGS are certified or registered to visit hospitals, long-term care facilities, treatment centers, schools, and other settings to benefit people in need. While typically trained in basic obedience skills, THERAPY DOGS (or "comfort dogs") are not required to perform essential tasks for those they serve or specialize in any particular area of service. THERAPY DOGS do not have public access rights under the ADA and are only allowed in facilities by invitation/agreement.
(Am. Ord. 2016-4-2, passed 4-12-2016; Am. Ord. 2020-11-4, passed 11-10-2020)