For the purposes of this chapter, except as otherwise indicated, the following definitions shall apply:
ATTACK: Any aggressive, menacing or vicious physical contact between any dog and either a person or another animal, including, but not limited to, contact of the mouth or teeth of the dog with the victim of the attack and any striking or scratching of the victim of the attack by the paws of any dog.
BITE: Seizing with the teeth or jaws so that the person or other animal seized has been nipped, gripped, cut, wounded or pierced, and further includes the contact of saliva with a break or abrasion of the skin.
CONFINEMENT STRUCTURE: A securely locked pen, kennel or other structure designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the standards herein. Such pen, kennel or other structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides and must be locked with a key or combination lock when animals are within the structure. Such structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides, or the sides of the structure must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet (2'). All such structures must comply with all zoning and building regulations of the City and be adequately lighted, ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
DOG: Whenever used in this chapter, shall include all animals of the canine species upward of the age of four (4) months.
DOG, DANGEROUS: Any dog which, unmuzzled, in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person or other animal in an apparent attitude of attack upon any street, sidewalk, or any public grounds or place, or any premises other than those of its owner; provided, that such approach is unprovoked.
DOG, VICIOUS: Any dog which has, when unprovoked, bitten or attacked any person or other animal on public or private property; has a known tendency, propensity or disposition to attack persons or animals without provocation; or has been found to be a dangerous dog upon three (3) separate occasions.
GUIDE DOG: A dog trained and used to aid the blind or hearing impaired; provided, that the owner of such dog complies with the provisions contained in 510 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/8.
K-9 DOG: A dog trained and used in the performance of official police duties authorized by the Chief of Police; provided, that any such dog shall be currently inoculated against rabies as provided for in 510 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/8.
LEASH: A strap or chain, manufactured for use as a leash, securely fastened to the collar or harness of a dog, which shall be of sufficient strength to keep such dog under control.
MUZZLE: A device constructed of strong, soft material or metal which will prevent a dog from biting any person or animal; provided, that such muzzle must be made in a manner which will not cause injury to the dog nor interfere with its vision or respiration.
OWNER OR KEEPER: Any person having a right of property in a dog, or who keeps or harbors a dog, or who has it in his care, or who acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog to remain on or about any premises occupied by such person.
PREMISES: Any enclosed area, including building or fences that can properly contain an animal. (Ord. 1301, 3-7-1994; amd. Ord. 1954, 1-7-2002)