§ 14-1. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Altered animal means an animal which has been spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian and which has thereby been rendered incapable of reproduction.

Animal means every living creature, domestic or wild, not including human beings.

Animal hospital means any establishment under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian where animals are taken for treatment of disease, boarding, surgery, treatment of injury, inoculations, cremations, baths, grooming, haircuts, pedicure or training.

Animal shelter means any facility operated, owned, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, or other nonprofit organization, whose purpose is to provide for and promote the welfare, protection and humane treatment of animals.

Cat means all members of the feline species.

Dangerous animal means any animal which, without provocation, attacks or injures a person who is peaceably conducting himself in any place where he lawfully may be. The term "dangerous animal" includes any animal which, because of its size, vicious propensity or other characteristic, would constitute a danger to human life, property, or domestic animals if not restrained or kept in a safe manner.

Dog means all members of the canine species.

Domestic animal means any animal which is not wild, and is tame and owned as a pet.

Feral cat or dog means any cat or dog which is not licensed by the city or any other municipality, and which is not a puppy or kitten less than four months of age old born to a dog or cat licensed within the city or any other municipality.

Fowl means any domesticated birds, poultry or water fowl.

Kennel means any establishment or premises where more than four dogs or cats, or any combination thereof, more than six months of age, are boarded or kept for any purpose whatsoever, with the exception of regularly established veterinarian hospitals, pet shops, pounds, or shelters.

Livestock means any cattle, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats, other animals, or fowl which can or may be used in and for the preparation of meat or meat products for consumption by human beings or animals.

Owner means any person owning, harboring, or keeping an animal. For the purpose of this chapter, a person owning, occupying, or lawfully in control of any premises on which an animal remains or to which it customarily returns daily for a period of ten days or longer, or who knowingly permits an animal to remain on such premises, or who acts as custodian of an animal, shall be presumed to be owning, harboring, or keeping such animal.

Pet shop means any establishment, other than a pound or animal shelter, where animals are sold or offered for sale or exchange. Any person who sells, offers to sell, or offers for adoption only such animals that he has bred and raised shall not be considered as operating a pet shop.

Pound means any facility owned by, or operated under contract with, the city, for the purpose of impounding, housing, or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals.

Wild animal means any naturally wild animals native to the state.

(Code 1968, § 5-1; Code 1996, § 14-1; Ord. No. F-0341, § 1(14-1), 5-17-1999; Ord. No. F-0457, § 1, 5-1-2000)