For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED. An animal, the possession of which has been voluntarily relinquished by its owner without vesting ownership or the right to possession in any other person.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. The individual designated as Animal Control Officer by the Sheriff of Tippecanoe County or, if no designation has been made, the Sheriff of Tippecanoe County. The Animal Control Officer may, further, delegate duties under this chapter.
ANIMAL SHELTER. A facility for the sheltering and disposal of impounded, abandoned, or surrendered animals with which Tippecanoe County has an agreement for provision of such services.
AT LARGE. An animal not under the immediate control of an individual or restrained by an enclosure, leash, chain, or other device of actual physical restraint. This definition applies regardless of whether the animal is on or off the premises of its owner.
HAZARDOUS ANIMAL. An animal that attacks, bites, or injures humans or domesticated animals without adequate provocation or an animal with a known propensity to attack, bite, or injure humans or domesticated animals.
NUISANCE. An animal that unreasonably annoys a person other than the owner, that endangers the health of individuals or other animals, or substantially interferes with the rights of others to quiet enjoyment of their life or property.
OFFICIAL WARNING. A written notice, without further sanction, of a violation of this chapter from the Animal Control Officer or his designee to the owner of an animal.
OWNER. A person that owns, keeps, or harbors an animal. For purposes of this chapter, a person that feeds or shelters an animal for three consecutive days or more is an owner of the animal. However, a person who feeds or shelters a feral cat will not be regarded as an OWNER under this section if the person notifies the Animal Control Officer of the feral cat within 24 hours of first feeding or sheltering the feral cat.
RESTRAINT. Securing an animal by means of a leash or lead while:
(1) On the real property of the owner or other person who consents to the animal's presence; or
(2) Under the control of the owner or other willing individual capable of being responsible for the animal.
(Ord. 2014-24-CM, passed 12-15-14; Am. Ord. 2019-30-CM, passed 12-2-19)