For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES. See PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE and ACCESSORY STRUCTURES.
ANIMAL. Every living creature except members of the human race.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. Any employee of the City of Worthington who holds that employment and job classification within the City of Worthington.
ANIMAL ENCLOSURE. Any building or part thereof, structure or area including pens, dog houses, kennels and outside runs that are principally used or designed for use as a place for keeping animals. For the purposes of this chapter, an electronic containment system shall not be considered an animal enclosure.
AT LARGE. An animal, on or off the premises of the owner, and not under the control of the owner or some other person of suitable age and discretion by command or by leash, chain, cable, fence, kennel or other suitable enclosure. An animal enclosed within a residence, dwelling, business or other structure so that it cannot leave on its own volition shall not be considered at large.
BITE. To be seized by an animal with the teeth or jaws so that a person, animal or object has been nipped, gripped, wounded or pierced.
BREEDER.
(1) A professional breeder is any person or entity breeding animals for profit or who produces more than two litters, regardless of species, in any 12-month period.
(2) A nonprofessional breeder is any person breeding animals as a hobby and produces two litters or less, regardless of species, in any 12-month period.
BY COMMAND. As applied to a dog the term means the dog must be kept within six feet of the person in charge of or in control of the dog unless the dog is being exercised, trained or engaged in play. When a dog is being exercised, trained or engaging in play on public property or property other than the owners or person in charge or control of the dog, the dog must be visible to the owner or person in control and be within 30 feet of the owner or person responsible for control of the dog. The dog must always return to the owner on no more than two voice commands.
CAT. Any member of the animal species Felis catus.
CITY BEACH AREA. Area on the shoreline of the lake which the city has improved for swimming and other beach activities by providing some of the items hereafter listed: A bath house or other facility for changing clothes, improving the beach with sand, installing buoys and other devices to mark the swimming area, and providing life guard service, whether full or part-time.
COMMERCIAL KENNEL. A place where three animals, regardless of species, over six months of age are kept and where the business of selling, breeding, showing, treating or grooming dogs or other animals is conducted. An animal which is on premises for no more than 12 hours shall not be considered a kept animal.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL. Any wild animal, reptile or fowl which is not naturally tame or gentle but is of a wild nature or disposition and which, because of its size, nature or other characteristics could constitute a danger to humans, animals, or property if it is not kept or maintained in a safe manner or in secure quarters. The term also means and includes any mammal, reptile or fowl which, because of its size or vicious propensity or other characteristic, would constitute a danger to human life or property if it is not kept or maintained in a safe manner or in secure quarters.
DOG. Any member of the species Canis familiaris.
DOMESTICATED ANIMAL. Any animal which by its nature, is capable of being bred or trained, or a combination of both, to cohabit with humans.
ELECTRONIC PET CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS. A system which emits or causes to be emitted an electronic signal for the purpose of confining animals within a predetermined area.
EUTHANIZE. To cause death by any method which produces rapid loss of consciousness resulting in as painless a death as possible.
EXOTIC ANIMAL. See WILD or EXOTIC ANIMAL.
FARM ANIMAL.
Any animal which would normally be considered a farm animal or barnyard animal. By way of example and not limitation, included in the terms
FARM ANIMAL
and barnyard animal are cattle, horses, sheep, goats, fowl (including ducks, chickens, geese, ostriches, guinea hens, pheasants, quail, partridge, turkeys), swine, llamas, and alpacas.
FARM SUPPLY MERCHANDISER.
A year-round business with a physical building presence located in the city conducting business in farm supplies and operational necessities.
IMPOUND. To seize and hold in custody.
OWNER. Any person owning, keeping, harboring, or maintaining an animal within the city or permitting such animal to be at large within the city. An animal shall be deemed harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three days or more.
PERSON. An individual, firm, corporation, partnership, association, trust, estate, or other legal entity.
PICKET/TIE-OUT. To restrain an animal by means of a chain, leash, or other restraint attached to a fixed object.
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE and ACCESSORY STRUCTURES. The residence if a residence is located on the property. If there is no residence, the PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE shall be the largest building on the property. If more than one building on a property is equal in size to the largest building, then any building may be the PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE. Which structure is the PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE shall be determined at the sole discretion of the representative of the city enforcing this chapter. All structures other than the principal structure are ACCESSORY STRUCTURES.
SERVICE DOG. A dog which is properly identified as a dog which has been trained to aid persons who are totally or partially blind or deaf, or have physical or sensory disabilities, or a dog which is used by a law enforcement agency.
VACCINATION. Inoculation against rabies by any method approved by the State Health Department or other appropriate state agency.
WILD or EXOTIC ANIMAL. Any mammal, amphibian, reptile or bird which is of a species not usually domesticated, or of a species which, due to size, wild nature, or other characteristic, is or can be dangerous to humans. The term includes animals and birds, the keeping of which is licensed by the state or federal government, such as wolves, raptors, and pheasants. By way of example and not limitation, the term includes: poisonous snakes, reptiles, eagles, jaguars, cougars, weasels, badgers, monkeys, chimpanzees, deer and bison. The term includes crossbreeds such as the cross between dogs and coyotes and dogs and wolves. Exceptions to definition of WILD or EXOTIC ANIMAL are:
(1) Non-poisonous snakes, domesticated birds, hamsters, mice, rabbits, lizards, spiders and other small animals or reptiles capable of being kept in cages including rats, if the animal is purchased from a bona fide pet shop;
(2) Medically prescribed companion animals;
(3) Wildlife rehabilitators may only possess animals with a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources permit. Such animals shall be kept in a manner which does not create or cause unsanitary conditions or unreasonable noise.
(4) Birds and birds of prey if kept pursuant to a valid US Fish and Wildlife Services permit and located as permitted within zoning.
YARD. An open space, other than a court, on a lot or parcel of real estate, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward.
(1) YARD, FRONT. The area extended across the full width of the property and between the front property line and the nearest exterior wall of the principal structures located on the subject property.
(2) YARD, REAR. The area extended across the full width of the subject property and between the rear property line and nearest exterior wall of accessory and principal structures located on the subject property.
(3) YARD, SIDE. The area which extends from the front yard to the rear yard of the subject property and lies between the side lot line and the and the nearest wall of any accessory structure which is located on the subject property.
(Ord. 980, passed 8-22-05; Am. Ord. 1072, passed 8-12-13)