Whenever used in this chapter, unless a contrary intention is clearly evidenced, the following terms shall be interpreted as herein defined.
ABANDON. To desert, forsake, or intend to give up absolutely an animal without securing another owner.
ANIMAL. In addition to dog and cat, any organism of the kingdom of Animalia, other than a human being.
ANIMAL CONTROL DIRECTOR. The Winnsboro Town Manager and/or his or her designee.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. Any officer and/or employee of the Town of Winnsboro Public Safety Department, as well as those officers and employees who may assist in carrying out the provisions of this chapter from the Fairfield County Sheriffs Office and the Fairfield County Animal Control.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Any premises designated and/or utilized by the town for the purpose of impounding, care, adoption, or euthanasia of dogs and cats held under authority of this chapter, including, but not limited to, Fairfield County Animal Control and/or the Fairfield County Animal Adoption Center.
AT LARGE. A pet running off the premises of the owner or keeper and not under the physical control of the owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device.
EXOTIC ANIMAL. Those species of animals that are exotic to humans. Exotic animals include, but are not limited to:
(1) Class Mammalia.
(a) Order Artiodactyla (only hippopotamuses and giraffes).
(b) Order Carnivora (only those specified below).
1. Family Felidae [(all species except domestic cats) this includes lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, ocelots, servals].
2. Family Canidae (only wolves, coyotes, and jackals).
3. Family Ursidae (all bears).
4. Family Hyaenidae (hyenas).
(c) Order Perissodactyla (only rhinoceroses).
(d) Order Primates (only gorillas).
(e) Order Proboscidea (elephants).
(2) Class Reptilia.
(a) Order Squamata (only varanidae family animals specified below).
(b) Family Varanidae (only water monitors and crocodile monitors).
(c) Order Crocodilia (such as crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gavials, etc.) all species.
WINNSBORO ANIMAL CONTROL. The Town of Winnsboro, the Winnsboro Animal Control Director, and Winnsboro Animal Control Officers.
KENNEL. Any lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises whereon or wherein four or more dogs are kept or maintained for any commercial purpose; provided, however, that if other animals or birds or fowl are bought, sold or bartered, the classification to apply shall be that of a pet shop; and provided, further, that the term "dog kennel" shall not be construed as applying to a duly licensed veterinary hospital, nor the Fairfield County Animal Control, nor the Fairfield County Animal Adoption Center.
PET SHOP. Any lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises whereon or wherein is carried on a business of buying and/or selling or bartering birds, animals or fowl; but this definition shall not be construed as applying to the buying or selling of livestock, nor to the business or activities of a duly licensed veterinary hospital, nor to the business or activities of the Fairfield County Animal Control or Fairfield County Animal Adoption Center, nor to a duly licensed dog kennel.
LITTER. Multiple offspring that are born at one time from the same mother.
NUISANCE. An animal that disturbs the rights of, threatens the safety of, or damages a member of the general public, or interferes with the ordinary use and enjoyment of their property.
OWNER. Any person who:
(1) Has a property right in an animal;
(2) Keeps or harbors an animal or who has it in his or her care or acts as its custodian; or
(3) Permits an animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her for ten days.
PET. A domestic dog (canis familiaris) and/or a domestic cat (felis catus domesticus).
SHELTER. A structure, including but not limited to, a doghouse or a stable that protects an animal from the sun, rain, and other inclement weather or environmental conditions.
UNDER RESTRAINT. A pet that is on the premise of its owner if accompanied by its owner or keeper and under the physical control of the owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device.
(Ord. 63, passed 11-15-2022)