§ 5-1. Definitions.

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

Animal. Every nonhuman species of animal, both domestic and wild.

Animal shelter. Any facility so licensed by the state, for the purpose of impounding animals under the authority of this chapter or state law for care, confinement, return to owner, adoption or euthanasia.

At large. Off the premises of the owner, and not under the restraint of the owner, his agent or member of his immediate family.

Authorized/designated volunteer organization. A local animal rescue group(s) designated, by city council, to manage and administer the TNR program. A list of groups (and their contacts/board members) so designated will be kept in the office of the city clerk.

Continuing public safety hazard. The prohibited behavior of any adjudicated vicious animal that is likely to continue.

Ear tip. A mark identifying a feral cat as being in the TNR program, specifically, the removal (by the designated volunteer organization or their veterinarian) of approximately three-eighth ( 3/8 ) of an inch off the tip of the cat's left ear in a straight line.

Feral cat. A cat that is unsocialized to people and typically avoids contact with humans.

Feral cat caregiver. Any person, in association with the duly authorized /designated volunteer TNR organization, who in accordance with good faith effort to trap, neuter, vaccinate and return the feral cat, provides volunteer care to a feral cat.

Owner. Any person, partnership or corporation owning, keeping, or harboring one (1) or more animals. An animal shall be deemed to be harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three (3) or more consecutive days. Owner does not include a person caring for a feral cat, as a feral cat caregiver, as approved in this chapter.

Public nuisance animal. Any animal that unreasonably annoys humans, endangers the life or health of other animals or persons, or substantially interferes with the rights of persons, other than its owner, to enjoyment of life or property. The term "public nuisance animal" shall include, but not be limited to, an animal that:

(1)

Is repeatedly found at large, and is not a feral cat in the registered TNR program;

(2)

Damages the property of anyone other than its owners;

(3)

Molests or intimidates pedestrians or passersby;

(4)

Chases vehicles;

(5)

Excessively makes disturbing noises, including but not limited to, continued barking, howling or other utterances causing unreasonable annoyance, disturbance or discomfort to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises where the animal is kept or harbored;

(6)

Attacks other domestic animals.

Restraint. When any animal is secured by a leash or lead under the control of its owner, agent or immediate member of the owner's family, and obedient to that person's commands.

Trap-neuter-return/TNR. A nonlethal approach to the management of the feral cat population where feral cats are humanely trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, ear tipped, and then returned to the location where they were originally trapped. TNR is managed/administered by a private rescue group(s), as authorized by city council, and does not involve active involvement/participation by the city or its employees.

Vicious animal. Any animal that attacks, bites, or injures human beings or other domestic animals without adequate provocation; or which because of temperament, conditioning, or training, has a known propensity to attack, bite, or injure human beings or other domestic animals without adequate provocation; or which threatens to attack, bite or injure a human being or other domestic animal without adequate provocation.

(Ord. No. 10811, § 1(II), 3-21-88; Ord. No. 11831, § I, 4-1-2008; Ord. No. 12167 , § I, 8-17-2015)