Abandonment.
To desert or leave without care.
Animal control authority.
The person or persons designated by the city manager to enforce this chapter.
Animal shelter.
That facility designated or recognized by the city for the purpose of impounding and caring for animals.
Animal.
Any and all types of animals, both domesticated and wild, male and female, singular and plural.
At large.
Off the premises of the owner or custodian of the animal or fowl and not under the physical restraint of the custodian or owner.
Fowl.
Any and all fowl, domesticated and wild, male and female, singular and plural.
Humane manner.
Care of an animal to include, but not limited to ventilation and sanitary shelter, food and water consistent with normal requirements and feeding habits of the animal’s size, species and breed.
Licensed veterinarian.
Any person duly licensed as a veterinarian by the state.
Licensing authority.
The agency or department of the city or any designated agency charged with administering the issuance and revocation of permits and licenses. The city manager shall designate the licensing authority. In the absence of a designation, the police department shall be the licensing authority.
Nuisance.
An animal shall be considered a nuisance if it damages, soils, defiles or defecates on private property other than the owner’s or on public areas, unless such waste is immediately removed and disposed of; causes unsanitary, dangerous or offensive conditions; creates a disturbance by excessive barking or other animal noise which would offend a person of ordinary sensibilities under the same or similar circumstances; or chases, molests, attacks or interferes with persons or other domestic animals on public property or the private property of others.
Owner.
A person having the right of property or custody of an animal or who harbors an animal or knowingly permits an animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by that person for more than seventy-two (72) hours.
Vicious animal.
An animal that constitutes a physical threat to humans or other domestic animals by virtue of his immediate conduct, or by virtue of a prior history of violence towards humans or other animals.
Wild animals.
All undomesticated animals including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, bears, wolves, apes, foxes, baboons, all forms of poisonous reptiles, skunks, and squirrels.
(Ordinance adopted 3/24/86, sec. A)
No person shall interfere with, hinder or molest any agent of the animal control authority in the performance of their duty as herein provided. Any person violating this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ordinance adopted 3/24/86, sec. G)
No person shall keep or harbor more than four (4) dogs or cats, three (3) months of age or older, or any combination thereof, on any premises zoned for residential use.
(Ordinance adopted 3/24/86, sec. G)
Upon attack by a vicious animal, any person, including an animal control officer or peace officer, can defend self or third persons at their discretion, taking such means as are necessary in such situation.
(Ordinance adopted 3/24/86, sec. G)
This article adopts the provisions of the Rabies Control Act and the Animal Shelter Act, as contained in the state statutes, as from time to time amended.
(Ordinance adopted 3/24/86, sec. G)
Any animal that bites, scratches or attacks any person or persons shall be subjected to such tests as the city health officer, chief of police or animal control officer requires, including the destruction of such animal and an examination of the carcass. Such officials may require the owner of such an animal to confine it at a place designated for such period of time as may be reasonably necessary, not to exceed thirty (30) days. If the owner refuses to voluntarily confine such an animal for testing or observation, the animal may be taken into temporary custody pending the acquisition of a warrant.
(Ordinance adopted 3/24/86, sec. G)