As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
An animal not under restraint.
An animal secured by a leash or lead and under the control of a responsible person or confined within a vehicle or within the real property limits of its owner.
Any and all types of animals, both domesticated and wild, male and female, except humans.
Extending or prolonged without interruption or cessation; unceasing.
An act of commission or omission whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death is caused or permitted, including failure to provide proper drink, air, space, shelter, protection from the elements, sanitary conditions, veterinary care or nutritious food in sufficient quantity. Customary and normal veterinary and agricultural husbandry practices, including, but not limited to, dehorning, castration, docking tails and limit feeding, are not considered to be acts of cruelty.
Any member of the canine species, male or female.
Any and all kind of bird, domesticated and wild, male and female.
An establishment wherein a person engages in boarding, breeding, buying, grooming, letting for hire, training (for a fee) or selling dogs or cats. The ownership of dogs which are part of the household or are maintained in a building or structure adjoining a private residence and are kept for hunting, practice tracking or for exhibiting in dog shows or field or obedience trials or for guarding or protecting the household's property, and sale of no more than one litter per year, shall not constitute the operation of a kennel. The ownership of cats which are part of the household or are kept for exhibiting in shows, and sale of no more than one litter per year, shall not constitute the operation of a kennel.
Any person owning, keeping, harboring or acting as custodian of an animal.
Includes individuals, corporations, firms, partnerships and all other clubs or organizations.
Any and all of the following dogs:
Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dogs;
American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dogs;
American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dogs;
Dogs which have the appearance of being predominantly of the breed of dogs known as "Staffordshire Bull Terrier," "American Staffordshire Terrier" or "American Pit Bull Terrier." "Predominantly" shall mean that the dog exhibits the physical characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier more than of any other breed of dog; and
Dogs which have been registered at any time as a Pit Bull Terrier.
Secure confinement indoors or secure confinement in a locked pen or structure measuring at least five feet in width, 10 feet in length and six feet in height, with secure sides and secure top, which provides protection from the elements for the dog, is suitable to prevent the entry of young children and is designed to prevent the animal from escaping while on the owner's property.
Any animal which does or is described by any one of the following:
Is repeatedly found at large.
Damages the property of anyone other than its owner.
Is a vicious animal.
Causes fouling of the air by odors.
Causes unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings.
By virtue of the number or types of animals maintained, are offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare.
Makes excessive disturbing noises.
Molests passersby or passing vehicles.
Attacks other domestic animals.
Has been designated by the County Animal Control Commission or the Mayor and Town Council to be a public nuisance animal by virtue of being a menace to the public health, welfare or safety.
Any holding facility harboring a public nuisance animal.
Any animal which is dangerously aggressive without provocation, or any animal that attacks, bites or has a known propensity to attack or bite human beings or other animals on streets, sidewalks or other public or private places.