The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Animal- means all animals except human beings, vertebrate or invertebrate, wild or domesticated, including those animals in the zoological class of “aves” commonly referred to as fowl.

Animal Control Officer- means any person appointed as such by the City Manager, whose duties shall be to assist in the enforcement of this Chapter.

At large- means the status of an animal when it is not on the premises of its owner’s real property and not restrained by a competent person.

Competent person- means a person who is capable of controlling the behavior of a domestic animal and to whose command such domestic animal is obedient.

Dog- means all members of the canis familiaris, male, female or neuter, six months of age or older.

Domestic animal- means an animal kept as a pet and not as livestock.

Enclosure (dog) – means a fence or structure at least six (6) feet in height, forming or causing an enclosure suitable to prevent the entry of young children and suitable to confine a vicious dog. An enclosure shall be securely enclosed and locked and designed to prevent the animal from escaping from the enclosure. An enclosure shall have a secure top suitable to confine a vicious dog. If such enclosure has no bottom secured to the sides then sides must be embedded into the ground no less than one (1) foot.

Household- means those members of a family living in the same dwelling unit.

Inoculation, vaccination or vaccination for rabies- means the injection by a veterinarian or his authorized agent of a specified animal of antirabies vaccine into the body of the animal.

Notice- means relevant information conveyed from one person to another by personal delivery, deposit in U.S. mail, postage prepaid, or by telephone message.

Own- means to own, keep, harbor, shelter, control, manage, possess or have part interest in any animal.

Owner (dog)- means an individual who has lawful title to a dog, including the keeper or harborer of the dog. A parent or legal guardian shall be deemed to be an owner of dogs owned or maintained by children upon their premises.

Puppy- means all members of the canis familiaris, male, female or neuter, less than six months of age.

Restraint- means, when used in reference to an animal:

A.    When controlled by a line or leash not more than 15 feet in length, the line or leash is held by a competent person.

B.    When at “heel” of a competent person.

C.    When within an attended vehicle.

D.    When not more than 100 feet from a competent person, if such animal is not annoying any person or domestic animal or trespassing on private property or in a public area where animals are forbidden.

Vicious animal- means any animal which is fierce, dangerous, mean or uncontrollable; or one that has previously attacked or has bitten any person or domestic animal, or possesses a propensity to attack or bite a person or domestic animal.

Vicious dog- means any dog which is fierce, dangerous, mean or uncontrollable; or one that has previously attacked or has bitten any person or domestic animal, or possesses a propensity to attack or bite a person or domestic animal.

(See also 1-102; Code 2015)