For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them:
Animal control authority.
The municipal or county animal control office with authority over the area in which the dog is kept. For the purposes of this chapter, the animal control authority is the city. The animal control authority shall designate a veterinarian, licensed in the state, to represent and act for the city in the impoundment and disposition of any animals found in violation of any animal regulation.
Animal control officer.
The chief of police, any city employee licensed by the state as an animal control officer, and any police officer of the city.
Animal shelter.
Any facility operated by a humane society, or municipal agency, or its authorized agents, or a veterinarian licensed in the state for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or state law.
Bite.
Any abrasion, scratch, puncture, tear or piercing of the skin actually or suspected of being caused by an animal.
Bodily injury.
Physical damage to a person’s body.
Cat.
A domestic feline of either sex, including one neutered or sterilized.
Dog.
A domestic canine of either sex, including one neutered or sterilized.
Domestic animal.
Shall include all species of animals commonly and universally accepted as being domesticated.
Harboring.
The act of keeping and caring for an animal or of providing a premises to which the animal returns for food, shelter or care for a period of two (2) days or longer.
Impoundment.
To house an animal by the city, at the owner’s expense, in a city-owned or city- designated facility or at the office of an area veterinarian approved by the animal control authority.
Leash.
A strong cord or chain attached to collar or harness capable of restraining the animal on which it is used and which is being held by the owner.
Owner.
Any person who has the right of property in an animal or who harbors an animal or allows an animal to remain about his premises for a period of two (2) days or longer.
Pet animal.
Shall include dogs and cats.
Public nuisance.
Any animal or animals which trespasses on school grounds, damages private or public property, or barks, whines or howls in an excessive, continuous or untimely fashion.
Rabies vaccination.
The vaccination of a dog, cat or other domestic animal with an anti-rabies vaccine approved by the department of state health services and administered by a veterinarian licensed by the state.
Restraint.
Any animal secured by a leash or lead, or under the control of a responsible person and obedient to that person’s commands, or within the real property limits of its owner.
Running at-large.
Not completely confined by a building, wall, chain or fence of sufficient strength or construction to restrain the animal, except when such animal is either on a leash or held in the hands of the owner or keeper, or under the direct supervision of the owner within the limits of the owner’s private property.
Stray animal.
Any animal for which there is no identifiable owner or harborer.
Wild animal.
Shall include all species of animals which exist in a natural unconfined state and are usually not domesticated.
(2004 Code, art. 2.100; Ordinance adopting Code; Ordinance 03-2016 adopted 8/11/16; Ordinance 05-2018 adopted 7/12/18)
Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine in accordance with the general penalty provision in section 1.01.009 of this code. If any violation be continuing, each day’s violation shall be deemed a separate violation.
(2004 Code, sec. 2.1301)
An offense under this chapter is a class C misdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has previously been convicted under this chapter. Under these circumstances it shall be a class B misdemeanor.
(2004 Code, sec. 2.1302)
The chief of police and any police officer of the city shall have the right to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, and the chief of police is hereby delegated authority to appoint any person or persons to aid and assist him in the carrying out and enforcement of this chapter. The chief of police and any police officer of the city or any other person or persons appointed to aid and assist him is hereby authorized to enter upon any unfenced lot, tract or parcel of land for the purpose of seizing and impounding any animal running at large thereon or for the purpose of otherwise enforcing any other provision of this chapter. It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with, molest, hinder, or prevent the animal control officer or his authorized representatives in the discharge of their duties as herein prescribed, or to violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
(2004 Code, art. 2.900)
It shall be unlawful for any owner to harbor any dog, cat or other pet animal which by any sound, or cry or other activity as defined herein, shall disturb the peace, comfort or property of the inhabitants of the neighborhood, and such disturbance is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
(2004 Code, sec. 2.701)
Animals injured on public property may be impounded and given adequate veterinary medical treatment pending notification of the owner. If the injured animal is treated and/or impounded, the owner of such animal shall be liable for all expenses of the treatment and/or the impoundment.
(2004 Code, sec. 2.703)
The owner of every animal shall be responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by his animal(s) on public walks, recreation areas, or private property.
(2004 Code, sec. 2.1004)