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. Those animals commonly accepted as domesticated household pets. Unless otherwise defined, such 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) NON-DOMESTIC. 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, such animals shall include:
(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 de-scented), raccoon, squirrel, 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 subpart, including but not limited to bears, deer, monkeys and game fish.
(3) FARM. Those animals commonly associated with a farm or performing work in an agricultural setting. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include members of the equestrian 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 stables. This also includes Cervidae, Ratitae and Llama animal groups as defined by Minnesota state statute. (These animals include, but are not limited to elks, ostriches, emus, rheas and llamas and under state law all are considered to be livestock and raised for agricultural pursuits).
ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY. A person employed by or under contract with the city or Wright County who is responsible for animal control enforcement and investigating complaints, including all on-duty Wright County Deputies while operating in the city.
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. An unattended dog on the property of another without the consent of such property owner is AT LARGE and not UNDER RESTRAINT even though it is on a leash.
CAT. Both the male and female of the felidae species commonly accepted as domesticated household pets.
COMMERCIAL KENNEL. Any place where more than two dogs over six months of age are kept where the business of raising, selling, boarding, breeding, showing, or grooming of dogs or other animals is conducted, with the exception of veterinary clinics.
CURRENT VACCINATION. A valid inoculation with any recognized vaccine approved by the United States Department of Agricultural for the prevention of rabies.
DOG. Both the male and female of the canine species commonly accepted as domesticated household pets, and other domesticated animals of a dog kind.
OWNER. Any person or persons, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring an animal.
RESIDENTIAL KENNEL. Any place where more than two dogs over six months of age are kept on premises which are zoned and occupied for residential purposes, and where the keeping of such dogs is incidental to the occupancy of the premises for residential purposes.
SERVICE ANIMAL. Any animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.
UNDER RESTRAINT. Any dog that is controlled by a leash not exceeding six feet in length, or at heel beside a competent person having custody of it and obedient to their commands, or within a vehicle being driven or parked on a public street within the property limits of its owner’s premises.
VACCINATION CERTIFICATE. A document dated and signed by a licensed veterinarian stating the brand of vaccine used, manufacturer’s serial number of the vaccine used and describing the animal, age and breed, owner and vaccination tag number indicating that the animal has been immunized against rabies.
VETERINARY CLINIC. Any establishment maintained and operated by a Minnesota licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals.
(Ord. 0303, passed 4-8-03; Am. Ord. 2103, passed 12-14-21)