For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMAL. Any animal, other than man.
CONFINED. Restriction of an animal at all times by the owner, or his or her agent, to an escape- proof building or other enclosure away from other animals and the public.
DOG. All members of the family Canidae.
HAS BITTEN. Has seized with the teeth or jaws so that the person or animal seized has been nipped, gripped, wounded, or pierced, and further includes contact of saliva with any break or abrasion of the skin.
LICENSE TAG. A tag, disk or plate of suitable and durable material furnished by the county in accordance with the Animal Control Act of the state.
OWNER. Any person having a right of property in a dog or other animal, or who keeps or harbors a dog or other animal, or who has it in his or her care, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog or other domestic animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him.
PERSON. Any person, firm, corporation, partnership, society, association or other legal entity.
RUN AT LARGE. Suffering, permitting or causing an animal to be at any place within the city, at any time, other than premises occupied by the owner thereof, except when the animal is under the direct, effective, physical control of the owner thereof, his or her agent, or a member of the immediate family of the owner.
VICIOUS, DANGEROUS or FIERCE DOG. A dog which has once bitten a person, or a dog which by barking, snarling, growling or snapping at a person, or rushing at or upon, or chasing a person, or by other overt action, displays an inclination to do harm to, or to frighten a person; and includes a dog which attacks or worries or mutilates or wounds, or kills a dog, or a cat, or a domestic animal.
(1992 Code, § 91.01)