For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
"ANIMAL AT LARGE" or "STRAY." Any animal off the premises of his owner and not on a leash, or any animal within the town wandering lost which does not have an owner.
"ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER." Any person designated to perform the duties described by this chapter.
"ANIMAL SHELTER." Any facility designated by the Board of Aldermen for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals under authority of this chapter.
"MEANS TO PROPERLY REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF FECES." An owner or custodian of a dog will have on or near their person a device such as a plastic bag, or other suitable plastic or paper container, that can be used to fully clean-up and contain dog waste until it can be disposed of in an appropriate container. Such a device must be produced and shown, upon request, to anyone authorized to enforce these ordinances.
"PUBLIC NUISANCE." Any domesticated animal or group of animals which:
(1) Is found at large;
(2) Damages the property of anyone other than its owner, including but not limited to, turning over garbage containers or damaging gardens, flowers, or vegetables;
(3) Is a vicious animal;
(4) Causes fouling of the air by odors;
(5) Causes unsanitary conditions of enclosures or surroundings;
(6) By virtue of number of type, is offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety, or welfare;
(7) Barks, whines, or howls in an excessive, continuous, or untimely fashion;
(8) Is diseased and dangerous to the public health;
(9) Habitually or repeatedly chases, snaps at, attacks, or barks at pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles; or
(10) Appears on the public beaches of the Atlantic Ocean within the town at any place east of the established building line on the beach and an extension northward and southward of the building line to the northern and southern boundary lines of the town, whether on a leash or not, at any time between the dates of April l and September 30 of each year.
(11) Is a dog and which dog deposits feces on public property or on private property without the consent of the owner or person in lawful possession of the private property, and the person owning, possessing, harboring or having the care, charge, control or custody of the dog fails to remove the feces so deposited. Provided, however, that a dog accompanying a blind person and used for the assistance of the blind person shall not be included within this definition.
"VICIOUS ANIMAL." Any animal which constitutes a physical threat to human beings or other animals by virtue of attacks of a number and severity as to cause property damage or physical injury.
(Ord., passed 9-28-78; Am. Ord., passed 5-28-81; Am. Ord. 1172, passed 4-16-92; Am. Ord. 1407, passed 3-28-02)