When used in this chapter, the following words and terms, unless the context indicates a different meaning, shall be interpreted as follows:
To dump, desert, or leave any animal on public or private property with the intent of terminating any further responsibility for said animal, or to fail to timely redeem an animal impounded by the animal control department, as specified herein.
Any living, vertebrate creature, domestic or wild, other than homo sapiens.
An animal that is specially trained or equipped to help a person with a disability and that:
Is used by a person with a disability who has satisfactorily completed a specific course of training in the use of the animal; and
Has been trained by an organization generally recognized by agencies involved in the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities as reputable and competent to provide animals with training of this type.
Any animal not kept under restraint.
Physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
A commonly domesticated member of the Felidae (feline) family, other than a lion, tiger, bobcat, jaguar, panther, leopard, cougar, or other prohibited animal.
The City of Alma, Ellis County, Texas.
Control within the owner's observation and in such proximity as to permit the owner reasonable opportunity to control the animal, should it become necessary to do so in order to protect the animal, a person, or another animal from harm.
The act of keeping and caring for an animal or of providing premises to which the animal returns for food, shelter, or care for a period of ten (10) days.
Any person, firm, or corporation 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 ten (10) days.
Any animal kept for pleasure rather than utility.
The following:
An owner's failing to control or to restrain, or otherwise allowing, either by conduct, omission, or condition of premises, any animal to:
Engage in conduct that establishes such animal as a dangerous animal;
Be at large or running at large as defined herein;
Chase vehicles or molest, attack or interfere with other animals or persons on public property;
Damage, soil, defile or defecate on private property other than the owner's property or on public walks or recreation areas unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the owner; or
Generate or accumulate fecal matter or other waste to such a degree as to cause unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive conditions.
An animal is under restraint under the following conditions:
It is securely enclosed or confined to its owner's yard by a physical fence in a manner that will isolate the animal from the public and from other animals except for animals owned or under the control of the owner; or
It is accompanied by its owner or trainer at a bona fide dog show, field trial, or exhibition; or
It is secured by a person holding a leash no more than six feet in length and of sufficient strength to control the animal; or
It is an assistance or service animal, as defined by this chapter, that is being used by a person with a disability.
An animal that is roaming with no physical restraint beyond the premises of the animal's owner or keeper.
Properly injected with a rabies vaccine, licensed for use in that species by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by a veterinarian licensed to practice in the state.
Any individual dog that has on two (2) previous occasions without provocation attacked or bitten any person or other animal or any individual dog which gives reason to believe to have a dangerous disposition likely to be harmful to humans or other animals.
(1984 Code, ch. 2, sec. 1; Ordinance 2024-5-1 adopted 5/21/2024)