The following terms whenever used in this chapter, have the
meanings indicated in this section, except where the context indicates
a different meaning.
AT LARGE
Any dog or other animal when it is off the property of its
owner and not restrained by a competent person.
DOG
A domesticated carnivorous mammal of the species Canis familiaris.
Any member of the wolf family or any of various mammals similar or
related to the wolf or any member of the canine family of a wild species
does not constitute a dog under the provisions of this chapter.
[Added 7-13-1992 by Ord. No. 1136A]
IMPOUND
To apprehend, catch, trap, net or, if necessary, to kill
any animal by the Animal Control Officer or authorized local agency.
[Amended 12-16-1997 by Ord. No. 1216]
KENNEL
Any establishment wherein dogs or other animals are kept
or maintained for any commercial purpose and which is so constructed
that dogs or other mammals cannot stray therefrom. This definition
is to exclude veterinary hospitals, research institutions and nonprofit
animal shelters.
OTHER ANIMALS
Any household pet defined as a "domesticated animal" that
is normally or can generally be kept within the immediate living quarters
of a residential structure. Any member of the sheep, swine, poultry,
bovine or equine family of quadrupeds or reptiles having a venomous
or constrictor nature does not constitute a household pet under the
provisions of this chapter.
OWNER
Any person, group of persons, firms or corporations owning,
keeping or harboring a dog or dogs or other animals.
PERSON
Any natural person, corporation, partnership or association.
RESTRAINT
Occurs when a dog or other animal is controlled by a leash
or chain not exceeding six feet in length.
[Amended 12-16-1997 by Ord. No. 1216]
It shall be the duty of every Animal Control Officer or authorized
agency to seize and detain any dog or dogs, cat or cats or other animals
which are running at large either upon the public streets, highways,
alleys or public grounds or upon the property of other than the owner
of such dog, cat or other animal and not restrained by the owner or
keeper thereof.
Any owner who has his dog vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine shall have the veterinarian who vaccinates a dog in accordance with §
72-6 and §
72-7 of this chapter issue to him a vaccination tag to be worn by said dog at all times and an original of a certificate signed by said veterinarian which states the following:
A. The name and address of the owner or harborer of the vaccinated dog.
B. The kind of vaccine used, the name of the manufacturer and the manufacturer's
serial or lot number and the date of vaccination.
C. The breed, age, color and sex of the vaccinated dog.
D. The year and serial number of the vaccination tag.
Any dog, cat or mammal which has been exposed to rabies should
be destroyed immediately unless herein otherwise provided. If the
owner is unwilling to do this, one of the following alternatives must
be followed:
A. Strict isolation in a kennel or animal hospital for six months.
B. If no previous vaccination has been given with an approved modified
live-virus vaccine or within one year using an inactivated vaccine,
there must be administered post-exposure treatment and confinement
in a kennel for three months.
C. If the animal has been vaccinated previously within one year with
an inactivated vaccine or within three years with an approved modified
live-virus vaccine, the animal must be revaccinated and restrained
by a leash or confined at home for 30 days.
[Amended 12-16-1997 by Ord. No. 1216]
When a commission of a violation of this chapter is observed
by an Animal Control Officer, he may, in his discretion, issue a citation
to such person, charging the violation of a summary offense as an
alternative to filing an ordinance complaint.