For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACTS DEEMED PUBLIC NUISANCE. Any animal that habitually and repeatedly roams from the owner’s property and causes damage to the property of another is a PUBLIC NUISANCE. A female dog running at large while in heat is a PUBLIC NUISANCE.
ANIMAL SHELTER. The place designated by the county for the purpose of impounding animals.
AT LARGE. Any animal shall be deemed to be at large when off the property of its owner and not under the control of a competent person, to include the back of a truck unleashed.
EQUINES. Animals of, relating to, or belonging to the family of Equidae, which comprises horses, donkeys and zebras.
EXPOSED TO RABIES. An animal shall be deemed to have been EXPOSED TO RABIES within the meaning of this subchapter if it has been bitten by any animal known or suspected to have rabies.
KENNEL, DEALER, BREEDER or PET SHOP. Any person, partnership, or corporation engaged in buying, selling, breeding or boarding pet animals, except those maintained by a veterinarian.
NEUTERED MALE. Any male that has been operated upon to prevent reproduction.
OWNER. Any person, group of persons, firm, partnership or corporation owning, keeping, having charge of, sheltering, feeding, harboring or taking care of any animal. The owner is responsible for the care, actions and behavior of his or her animal or animals.
RESTRAINT. An animal is under RESTRAINT within the meaning of this subchapter if controlled by a leash-like device or sufficiently near the owner/handler to be under his or her control.
SPAYED FEMALE. Any female that has been operated upon to prevent conception.
VACCINATED REQUIRED ANIMAL. Any animal listed in G.S. § 130A-185(a) as amended. updated and replaced, required to be vaccinated. (Currently these are a cat, dog or ferret over 4 months of age).
(Ord. 16, passed 3-2-2015; Am. Ord. passed 8-19-2020)