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 human, which may be affected by rabies or other contagious or infectious disease.
ANIMAL CONTROL WARDEN. Any person appointed by the President and approved by the Board to perform duties as assigned by the President to effectuate this chapter.
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.
DANGEROUS DOG. Any dog that has previously attacked or bitten any person or domestic animal, or possesses a propensity to attack or bite people or domestic animal, or cause annoyance to persons using the public roads, streets, and sidewalks or chase, worry, or molest livestock, other dogs, or children, or cause any damage or injury, which propensity is known or ought reasonably to be known by the owner of such dog. Written notice from the President mailed to last known address of the owner shall constitute knowledge by the owner.
DOG. All members of the family Canidae.
HAS BEEN BITTEN. Has been 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.
INOCULATION AGAINST RABIES. The injection of an anti-rabies vaccine approved by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
LEASH. A cord, rope, strap, or chain which shall be securely fastened to the collar or harness of a dog or other animal and shall be of sufficient strength to keep such dog or other animal under control.
LICENSED VETERINARIAN. A veterinarian licensed by the state in which he or she engages in the practice of veterinary medicine.
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 or her. If such person is a minor, then the parent or guardian with whom such child resides shall be considered to be the OWNER of such dog or other animal.
POUND. Any facility approved by the President for the purpose of enforcing this chapter and used as a shelter for seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted dogs or other animals.
RUNNING AT LARGE. Any animal shall be deemed to be at large when it is off the property of his or her owner, possessor, or keeper and not under control of a competent person either by leash, cord, chain, or otherwise.
VICIOUS DOG. Any individual dog that, when unprovoked, inflicts bites or attacks a human being or other animal either on public or private property; any individual dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack without provocation, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals; any individual dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation; any individual dog which has been found to be a “dangerous dog” upon three separate occasions. No dog shall be deemed VICIOUS if it bites, attacks, or menaces a trespasser on the property of its owner or harms or menaces anyone who has tormented or abused it or is a professionally trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties.
(1977 Code, § 6-4-2) (Ord. passed 3-13-1989)