§ 18-24. Definitions.

When used in this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases, and their derivations shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the content clearly indicates a different meaning:

Animal control officer means any person employed or appointed by the city who is authorized to investigate and enforce violations relating to animal control or cruelty under the provision of this section.

At large means that a dog is not under the direct control of the owner.

Dangerous dog means any dog that, because of its aggressive nature, training or characteristic behavior, presents a risk of serious physical harm or death to human beings, or would constitute a danger to human life, physical well being, or property if not kept under the direct control of the owner. This definition shall not apply to dogs utilized by law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties. The term "dangerous dog" includes any dog that according to the records of either the city animal shelter, the city department of animal control, or any law enforcement agency:

(1)

Has aggressively bitten, attacked, endangered, or inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property, or when unprovoked, has chased or approached a person upon the street, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, provided that such actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more persons and dutifully investigated by any of the above-referenced authorities;

(2)

Has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property; or

(3)

Has been used primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting, or is a dog trained for dog fighting.

Direct control means immediate, continuous physical control of a dog such as by means of a leash, cord, secure fence, or chain of such strength to restrain the dog and controlled by a person capable of restraining the dog, or safe and secure restraint within a vehicle. If the controlling person is at all times fully and clearly within unobstructed sight and bearing of the dog, voice control shall be considered direct control when the dog is actually participating in training or in an official showing, obedience, or field event. Direct control shall not be required of dogs actually participating in a legal sport in an authorized area or to government police dogs.

Director means the director of the department of animal control.

Impoundment means the taking or picking up and confining of an animal by any police officer, animal control officer or any other public officer under the provisions of this section.

Micro-chipping means an identifier code is inserted under the skin of an animal via microchip. The microchip process shall be administered by a veterinarian and identifying code registered at the Rayne City Police Department.

Muzzle means a device constructed of strong, soft material or of metal, designed to fasten over the mouth of an animal to prevent the animal from biting any person or other animal.

Pit bull dog means and includes any of the following dogs:

(1)

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dogs.

(2)

The American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dogs.

(3)

The American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dogs.

(4)

Dogs that have the appearance and characteristics of being predominately of the breeds of dogs known as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, or American Staffordshire Terrier.

Owner means any person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity owning, harboring or keeping any animal, or in the case of a person under the age of 18, that person's parent or legal guardian. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or, sheltered for three or more consecutive days. This definition shall not apply to any veterinary clinic or boarding kennel.

Sanitary condition means a condition of good order and cleanliness to minimize the possibility of disease transmission.

Under restraint means that an animal is secured by a leash, led under the control of a person physically capable of restraining the animal and obedient to that person's commands, or securely enclosed within the real property limits of the owner's premises.

(Ord. No. 958, 7-10-00; Ord. No. 1064, 5-14-12)