§ 10-1. 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:
Animal means any living dumb creature.
Animal exposed to rabies means an animal bitten by or associated with any animal determined by the county health officer or the animal control officer to be infected with rabies.
At large means any domesticated animal not under restraint or secured by a leash, chain, rope or lead or confined within a vehicle or confined within the real property limits of its owner by a fence of sufficient design to keep the animal from climbing or leaping over or digging under the fence or otherwise escaping from such property.
County means the county commission or the administration of the county, or all those areas included within the county.
Excessive noise means any bark, whine or howl from any dog or cat, unprovoked and done in a continuous, loud and excessive fashion causing a nuisance to persons or adjacent properties.
Impounding or holding facility means any one or a combination of a pet shop, kennel, cattery, or Humane Society or riding school or stable or any facility or place the county or the town may so designate by resolution.
Owner means any person owning, keeping, harboring or acting as custodian of an animal.
Public nuisance animal means any domesticated animals which fall under any one or more of the following categories:
(1)
Are found at large, except cats.
(2)
Damage the person or property of anyone other than the animal's owner.
(3)
Are vicious animals.
(4)
Cause unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings as determined by the animal control officer, a law enforcement officer, or the county health department.
(5)
By virtue of number or types of animals maintained, are offensive or dangerous to the public health, safety, or welfare as determined by the county health department.
(6)
Make excessive noise.
(7)
Have been determined to be strays by the animal control officer, a law enforcement officer or the county health department.
Stray animal means any animal at large without identifying tags and without the immediate presence of an owner.
Town means the town commission or the administration of the town, or all those areas included within the town.
Vicious animal means any animal which has made an unprovoked attack on any person or any animal.