§ 78-1. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following words shall have the meanings indicated:

ANIMAL

Any mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, bird (including all fowl and poultry) or other member commonly accepted as a part of the animal kingdom. Animals shall be classified as follows:

A. 

DOMESTIC ANIMALS

Those animals commonly accepted as domesticated household pets. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include dogs, cats, caged birds, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated rabbits, fish, nonpoisonous, nonvenomous and nonconstricting reptiles or amphibians, and other similar animals.

B. 

NONDOMESTIC ANIMALS

Those animals commonly considered to be naturally wild and not naturally trained or domesticated, or which are commonly considered to be inherently dangerous to the health, safety, and welfare of people. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include:

(1) 

Any member of the large cat family (family felidae), including lions, tigers, cougars, bobcats, leopards and jaguars, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated house cats.

(2) 

Any naturally wild member of the canine family (family canidae), including wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, and jackals, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated dogs.

(3) 

Any crossbreeds such as the crossbreed between a wolf and a dog, unless the crossbreed is commonly accepted as a domesticated house pet.

(4) 

Any member or relative of the rodent family, including any skunk (whether or not descented), raccoon, squirrel, or ferret, but excluding those members otherwise defined or commonly accepted as domesticated pets.

(5) 

Any poisonous, venomous, constricting, or inherently dangerous member of the reptile or amphibian families, including rattlesnakes, boa constrictors, pit vipers, crocodiles and alligators.

(6) 

Any other animal which is not explicitly listed above but which can be reasonably defined by the terms of this subsection, including but not limited to bears, deer, monkeys and game fish.

C. 

FARM ANIMALS

Those animals commonly associated with a farm or performing work in an agricultural setting. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include members of the equestrian family (horses, mules), bovine family (cows, bulls), sheep, poultry (chickens, turkeys), fowl (ducks, geese), swine (including Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs), goats, bees, and other animals associated with a farm, ranch, or stable.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

The Chief Law Enforcement Officer, or an individual or employee of a business retained by the City for purposes of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. In the later case the City may have him or her deputized with police powers for such enforcement, including authority to issue complaints for the violation of this chapter.

AT LARGE

Off the premises of the owner and not under the custody and control of the owner or other person, either by leash, cord, chain, or otherwise restrained or confined.

CAT

Both the male and female of the felidae species commonly accepted as domesticated household pets.

DOG

Both the male and female of the canine species, commonly accepted as domesticated household pets, and other domesticated animals of a dog kind.

OWNER

Any person or persons, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring an animal.

RELEASE PERMIT

A permit issued by the Police Department for the release of any animal that has been taken to the pound. A release permit may be obtained upon payment of a fee in accordance with that regular license requirement if the animal is unlicensed, payment of a release fee, and any maintenance costs incurred in capturing and impounding the animal. The release fee shall be as established from time to time by resolution of the City Council, but not less than $25 the first time an animal is impounded, $50 the second time it is impounded, and $75 for the third and each subsequent time the same animal is impounded. For the purpose of a release permit, any change in the registered ownership of an animal subsequent to its impoundment and release shall reset that animal's impoundment count to the beginning of the fee scale.

Added 9-9-2014