For use in this chapter, the following terms are defined:
1. “Dangerous animal” means the following animals: † 8
A. Badgers, wolverines, weasels, mink, and other mustelids (except ferrets);
B. Raccoons, opossums and skunks;
C. Black widow spiders and scorpions;
D. Buffalo.
2. “Vicious animal” means any animal (except for a dangerous animal per se, as listed under the definition of dangerous animal in this section) which, while running at large, has attacked or bitten any person without provocation, or any animal that has exhibited vicious propensities in present or past conduct, while running at large, including such that said animal: (i) did bite a person or persons on two separate occasions within a 12-month period; or (ii) did bite once causing injuries above the shoulders of the person; or (iii) could not be controlled or restrained by the owner at the time of the bite to prevent the occurrence; or (iv) has attacked or bitten any domestic animal or fowl on two separate occasions within a 12-month period; or (v) has been found to possess such a propensity by the Council, after hearing.
Notes
| 8 | † EDITOR’S NOTE: Certain other dangerous animals, listed in Chapter 717F.1, paragraph 5a, of the Code of Iowa, are specifically prohibited and regulated by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. |