City of Chandler, TX: Definitions.

§ 2.01.001 Definitions.

When used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall be interpreted as follows, unless the context indicates a different meaning:

Animal.

Any warm-blooded vertebrate creature, domestic or wild, excluding the human species.

Animal control personnel.

Any person designated by the city council to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

Astray or stray.

Any animal running free or otherwise without physical or other restraint, whether on or off the premises of its owner.

Cat.

A domesticated member of the family Feline, but shall not include any wild animal of family.

Dog.

A domesticated member of the family Canidae, but shall not include a wolf, jackal, fox or other wild animal of this family.

Harboring.

The act of keeping and caring for an animal or of providing premises to which the animal returns regularly.

Owner.

Any person, corporation, partnership, trust, or association or other entity owning, keeping, or harboring an animal or who has possession or control or has the responsibility to control an animal.

Person.

Any person, corporation, partnership, trust, association, or other legal entity.

Restraint.

Except as otherwise provided, an animal shall be deemed to be restrained when it is:

(1)

Confined on the premises of the owner within a fence or enclosure;

(2)

Fastened or picketed by a lead, rope, or chain so as to keep the animal on the premises of the owner following the rules of this chapter and state law;

(3)

Under the control of a person by means of a harness, leash, chain, or similar device attended by a person of sufficient strength when the animal is on a public street, right-of-way, or any property other than that owned by the owner such that the animal shall be prevented from running at-large;

(4)

On or within a vehicle being driven or parked if the owner is present to control the animal from jumping or falling out; or

(5)

At heel beside or otherwise controlled by a person competent to restrain the animal by command. Such person shall have the aforementioned control of the animal at any time that said animal is upon the personal property of the owner or person authorized to control the animal.

Vicious animal.

(1)

For the purpose of this chapter, vicious animal shall mean:

(A)

Any animal with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack without provocation, to cause injury or to otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or domestic animals;

(B)

Any animal which, without provocation, has attacked or injured a human being or domestic animal;

(C)

Any animal owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting, or any animal trained for fighting;

(D)

Any animal which, without provocation, chases or approaches a person upon the streets, sidewalks or any public or private property in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; or

(E)

Any animal which has behaved in such a manner that the owner thereof knows or should reasonably know that the animal is possessed of tendencies to attack or to bite human beings or other animals.

(2)

All other definitions provided for in this chapter shall be applicable to article 2.05 of this chapter.

Wild animal.

Any species of animal that commonly exists in a natural, unconfined state and is usually not domesticated.