The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings respectively ascribed to them:
ANIMAL: Any vertebrate species, other than man.
ANIMAL SHELTER: The agency or business that has contracted with the City to provide impoundment and animal shelter services.
AT LARGE: Off the premises of the owner and not under the control of a leash of the owner, possessor or keeper. For the purpose of this chapter, voice control shall not be considered as control.
DANGEROUS DOG: Any individual dog which, without justification, bites or attacks a human being or a domestic animal either on public or private property, including the private property of the owner.
No animal shall be deemed "dangerous" solely because it is a professional trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties, or if it bites, attacks, or menaces anyone who has tormented or abused it and the animal's response is proportionate to the provocation.
No dog shall be classified as "dangerous" solely because of its breed.
DAY: A calendar day consisting of a twenty four (24) hour period from one twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight to the next succeeding twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight.
DOG: All members of the family Canidae.
LEASH: A cord, rope, strap or chain securely fastened to an animal by a collar or harness, and of sufficient strength to keep such animal under control.
OWNER, POSSESSOR, OR KEEPER: Any person having a right of property in an animal, who keeps or harbors an animal, or has it in his/her care, or acts as its custodian, exerts control over it, or who knowingly permits an animal to remain on or about premises owned or occupied by such person. (Ord. 2007-12-10, 12-10-2007)