The purposes of this chapter are to promote the public health,
safety and general welfare of the citizens of the Village and to ensure
the humane treatment of animals by regulating the care and control
of animals within the Village.
When used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall
have the following meanings:
Any live creature, both domestic and wild. This shall include
fowl, fish and reptiles.
A dog that is off the premises of the owner and not on a
leash or otherwise under immediate control.
Any undomesticated animal or any dangerous animal normally
classified as wild. In addition, this specifically includes, but is
not limited to, the following animals: nondomestically bred parrots,
parakeets or other exotic birds; Canada geese; alligators; bears;
birds of prey; monkeys; panthers; cougars; lions; wolves; coyotes;
chimpanzees; venomous or constrictor reptiles; and wild felines. In
addition, it shall include any hybrid between a wild animal and a
domesticated animal, such as a hybrid between a dog and a wolf, a
dog and a coyote, a cat and a bobcat or other wild feline.
Includes horses, stallions, colts, geldings, mares, domesticated
sheep, rams, bulls, bullocks, steers, heifers, cows, mules, jacks,
jennets, burros, goats, swine, rabbits, fowl, ducks, geese, turkeys,
confined domestic hares and rabbits, pheasants, pigeons and other
birds or animals raised and/or maintained in confinement.
This includes, but is not limited to, any animal which makes/creates
habitually disturbing noises, foul or offensive odors, unsanitary
conditions, or chases pedestrians, bicycles or motor vehicles.
Any person having temporary or permanent custody of, sheltering
or having charge and control of, any animal covered by this chapter.
Any animal that attacks, bites or physically injures a human
being or other animal without provocation.
[Amended 6-15-2015 by Ord. No. 272]
A.
A violation of any section of this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in § 1-6, except as articulated within a specific article.
B.
All provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Village of
Vicksburg Police Department or, when appropriate and in accord with
law, by the animal control officer of the County of Kalamazoo and
any of his or her deputies. They are hereby authorized and empowered
to initiate prosecutions for violations of any section of this chapter
through complaint and warrant or summons or to serve appearance tickets
in lieu of complaint, warrant and summons, when appropriate.
C.
The Village, in addition to any other provisions of this section,
shall be permitted to seek an injunctive order from the Kalamazoo
County Circuit Court for appropriate remedy and relief for a violation
of this chapter.
D.
The members of the Police Department may kill a dangerous animal
of any kind when it is necessary for the protection of any person
or animal.
