§ 14-31. Definitions.

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

Animal means any animal of a species that is susceptible to rabies, with the exception of livestock.

Animal control officer means any person employed by the city as animal control officer. The animal control officer shall be referred to in this article as supervisor.

Animal control shelter means a place designated by the supervisor for the keeping of animals taken into custody under the provisions of this article.

Collar means a band, chain, harness or other device worn around the neck of an animal to which a vaccination tag may be affixed.

Leash means a rope, chain or cord not more than 15 feet in length, and of sufficient strength to control the action of an animal, which is affixed to the animal for maintaining direct physical control by the owner or person in charge of the animal.

Owner means any person who has right of property of an animal, or who keeps in his care or harbors an animal or who acts as an animal's custodian, or who permits an animal to remain on or about his premises.

Running at large means the going upon public or private property by an animal without the owner or person in charge thereof having direct physical control over such animal, and includes any animal which may be staked, tied or hobbled in any manner within the city limits in such manner as to allow such animal to get to or get upon the public street or sidewalk or another person's property.

Supervisor means the supervisor of the animal control operation as prescribed in this article.

Vaccination against rabies means an inoculation by a veterinarian, or other qualified person under the supervision of a veterinarian, of an animal antirabies vaccine.

Vaccination certificate means a serially numbered certificate, on a form approved by the supervisor, countersigned by the veterinarian administering the vaccine, giving the name of the owner of the animal to which issued and the description of the animal, indicating the year for which issued, and certifying that the animal was inoculated or vaccinated against rabies and giving the date thereof.

Vaccination license tag means a suitable tag approved by the supervisor, bearing the same numerical number as the vaccination certificate and indicating the year for which issued.

Veterinarian means any person duly licensed to practice veterinary medicine by the state board of veterinary medical examiners.

Veterinary hospital means a place where medical and surgical treatment is administered to animals by or under the supervision of a veterinarian.

(Code 1976, § 5-5)

Cross reference

Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.