For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDON. To forsake entirely, or to neglect or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support of an animal by its owner or keeper, including, but not limited to, leaving any animal on public property or roadways, or leaving any animal upon private property without the land owner’s consent.
ADEQUATE SHELTER. Shelter provided to all owned, domesticated animals, sufficient enough to protect the animal from weather conditions that may cause suffering, based upon the species, breed, body condition, and health of the animal. Weather/waterproof shelter, provided to any dog or cat primarily kept outdoors, that, if not manufactured for the sole purpose of housing dogs or cats, shall be structurally sound, with a solid floor, at least 3 solid walls/sides, a solid roof, proper ventilation, organic bedding, and shall be uncluttered by objects which are likely to cause injury or be detrimental to the health of the dog or cat, and placed in an area that will shelter the dog or cat from the direct effect of wind, rain, and/or snow, with dimensions appropriate for the animal’s size.
ANIMAL. Any domesticated living creature, including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, fowl, livestock, and exotic pets.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Any premises designated and operated by the Fiscal Court, directly or by contract, for the purpose of impounding and caring for animals held under authority of this chapter and the state laws regulating animals and owners of animals.
FOOD. Foodstuff that is wholesome, uncontaminated, palatable, and of sufficient quality and nutritive value to maintain the normal condition and weight of the animal; and, provided at suitable intervals or at least once a day, unless restricted by a veterinarian.
HUMANE SOCIETY. Any nonprofit corporation, organized under the laws of this state and having as its primary purpose the prevention of cruelty to animals.
OWNER or KEEPER. Any person or persons, firm, association, partnership or corporation owning, keeping, harboring or allowing a domestic animal to remain on his, her or its property.
RUNNING AT LARGE. Being off the premises of the owner or keeper, and not under the immediate control of the owner or keeper by a restraint device or voice command; and, as specifically concerns dogs, being off of visible leash on county-owned park and other real property, except in a designated, contained area.
STRAY. An animal whose owner or keeper is unknown to the person who takes it up and is an animal that has escaped from its owner or keeper and wanders or strays about on property not owned or occupied by the owner or keeper of the animal.
VETERINARY CARE. Care beyond the general scope of care given by an owner or keeper, when care provided has not prevented pain and suffering of the animal; and care provided either physically, or advisably, by a veterinarian licensed by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.
WATER. Access to a supply of clean, fresh, drinkable water, unless restricted by a veterinarian, which is provided in a sanitary manner, based upon species.
WILD ANIMAL. Any species of animal not normally domesticated by human beings, including, but not limited to, primates, bears, lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, wolves or hybrid wolves of more than 1/4 wolf, wolverines and other large (more than 35 pounds) carnivores or omnivores, and any animal prohibited by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
(Ord. 2-96, passed 6-25-1996; Am. Ord. 2018-01, passed 3-27-2018; Am. Ord. 2021-02, passed 4-13-2021)