For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
ANIMAL: Any horse, mule, donkey, pony, cow, sheep, goat, hog, dog, cat, rabbit, chicken, goose, duck, turkey, peacock or other animal, fowl or reptile.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: An employee of the city, hired by the city manager for the purpose of controlling animals and enforcing this chapter, and impounding and destroying animals as prescribed by law.
ANIMAL ESTABLISHMENT: Any pet shop, grooming shop, animal auction, performing animal exhibition, stable, coop, warren, kennel or other structure wherein animals are kept, except that this term shall not apply to veterinary medical facilities, licensed research facilities or zoological parks, and establishments keeping only caged domestic birds and aquarium fish requiring a completely aquatic environment.
ANIMAL SHELTER: A facility permitted and recognized by the city for the purpose of impounding and caring for animals.
AT LARGE: Not under "physical restraint", as defined in this section, or not securely confined within the owner's home.
DANGEROUS DOG OR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG: Any dog that:
A. Has inflicted any physical injury resulting in broken bones or lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery on a human being without provocation by the victim on public or private property; or
B. Has been previously found to be potentially dangerous, the owner having received written notice of the finding by the Woodward animal control authority and the dog thereafter aggressively bites, attacks or endangers the safety of humans; or
C. When unprovoked, has inflicted bites on a human either on public or private property; or
D. As otherwise defined in 4 Oklahoma Statutes section 44 et seq., and as amended.
HOUSEHOLD PET: A domesticated animal regularly kept as a pet within a house or enclosed yard, including dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, caged birds or any animal used to assist handicapped persons, but shall not include chickens, geese, turkeys, horses, cows, pigs or other livestock. Vietnamese potbellied pigs shall not be considered household pets.
HUMANE MANNER: Care of an animal to include, but not limited to, adequate heat, shade, ventilation and sanitary shelter, wholesome food and water, consistent with the normal requirements and feeding habits of the animal size, species and breed.
KENNEL: An establishment, residence or other property wherein more than two (2) dogs or three (3) cats, or a combination of dogs and cats not to exceed a total of three (3), are kept or where dogs and cats are kept for the purposes of breeding, boarding, selling or training.
NEUTERED: Rendered permanently incapable of reproduction, whether used in reference to the male or female of the species.
OWNER: Any person, firm or corporation owning, harboring or keeping an animal. All the occupants of any premises on which a domesticated or tamed animal remains, or to which it customarily returns, for a period of ten (10) days or more, shall jointly and severally be deemed to be harboring or keeping an animal.
PET SHOP: An establishment engaged in the business of buying, selling, breeding or raising of animals for profitmaking purposes, whether or not business transactions are made on the premises.
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT: Secure confinement of an animal by fence, chain or leash. To qualify as secure confinement under the terms of this chapter:
A. A fence must be at least two (2) times as tall as the height of the dog or other animal when standing on its hind legs; or there must be an enclosed top or roof over the entire fenced area; or the fence must be of sufficient height that the dog or other animal cannot escape; the bottom of the fence must be buried so as to not allow the dog or other animal to dig or burrow to escape, or a floor must be attached.
B. A chain or cable must be attached to a tree, post or other stationary object which is strong enough to hold the weight and force of the animal in question; the chain or cable must be of sufficient strength to hold the dog or animal in question; the chain or cable must be attached to a collar, bridle or other harness of sufficient strength to hold the animal; and the chain or cable must be of a length which will not allow the animal to be within five feet (5') of a public street, alley, walkway, mailbox, or utility meter or pole.
C. A leash must be no more than six feet (6') in length and must be of sufficient strength to hold the animal, and must be attached to a collar, bridle or other harness which is of a sufficient strength to hold the animal, and the leash must be under the immediate control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal.
D. Physical restraint of a vicious, dangerous or potentially dangerous dog shall require the muzzling of the dog in addition to the provisions in subsections B and C of this definition.
E. Animals in or on vehicles traveling or parked within the city must be securely confined within or to the vehicle by means which conform to the above provisions.
VICIOUS ANIMAL: An animal which has bitten or attempted to bite any person without due provocation, or which attacks, growls or acts as if it intends to attack or bite, or bites a person or persons, when not unduly provoked. The refusal of a postal carrier to deliver mail or parcels to an address because of the threat of an animal attack shall be prima facie evidence that an animal is vicious.
WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMAL: Any of the following animals:
A. A lion, tiger, leopard, panther, cougar, bobcat, ocelot, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, jaguar, jaguarundi, or any and all other felines (family Felidae), except the domestic cat (species Felis domesticus);
B. A grizzly bear, black bear, or any and all other bears (family Ursidae);
C. A wolf, coyote, jackal, hyena, or any and all other canines (family Canidae), except the domestic dog (species Canis familiaris) or the fox;
D. Any and all venomous reptiles (venomous members of the class Reptilia), including, without limitation, Gila monsters (species Heloderma suspectum), beaded lizards (species Heloderma horridum), and venomous snakes (venomous members of the suborder Serpentes);
E. Any anaconda (species Eunectes murinus);
F. Any and all crocodiles, caimans or alligators (family Crocodilia);
G. Gorillas, orangutans, baboons, macaques or chimpanzees; or any nonhuman primate;
H. Cassowaries (genus Casuarius); or
I. Any cross breed or hybrid of any two (2) animals defined as exotic wildlife in subsections A through H of this definition. (2001 Code § 90.01; amd. Ord. 1519, 12-20-2010; 2012 Code; Ord. 1700, 5-17-2021)