§ 6.04.020. Definitions.

For the purpose of this title, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, certain terms used herein are defined as follows:

"Adoption group" means an organized, licensed, insured, non-profit organization whose primary function is the adoption and placement of shelter animals.

"Animal" means any mammal, poultry, bird, reptile, fish, or any other dumb creature, including, but not limited to, horse, cow, goat, sheep, pig, pigeon, chicken, goose, rabbit, dog, cat. Animals are classified by weight: large animal, over fifty (50) pounds; medium animal, between twenty-five (25) and fifty (50) pounds; small animal, under twenty-five (25) pounds.

"Animal quarters" means the premises and all buildings, hutches, pens, coops, yards, and their appurtenances used for the keeping of animals, commercial fur-bearing animals, poultry including pigeons, game and show birds, fowl and birds, or any other kind not specifically mentioned, and dogs, and cats not kept in kennels and pet shops as herein defined; including, but not limited to, stables, poultry farms, pigeon farms, and rabbit farms.

"At large" means a dog off the premises of its owner and not under restraint by leash, or chain, or not otherwise controlled by a competent person.

"Bullhook" or "Ankus" means any instrument or device consisting of a spike, hook, or any combination thereof, attached to a shaft or handle made of wood, fiberglass, metal, or other solid or flexible material.

"Chipping" means the injection of a microchip below the skin of an animal by a veterinarian, registered vet technician or other qualified shelter staff.

"Dog" means and includes female as well as male dogs. Dogs are classified by weight: large dog: over fifty (50) pounds, medium dog: between twenty-five (25) and fifty (50) pounds, small dog: under twenty-five (25) pounds.

"Foster" means a person who is willing to temporarily take and care for an animal until the time that animal becomes suitable for adoption as recognized by an adoption group and/or animal shelter management.

"Horse" means and includes mule, burro, pony, jack hinny, or jenny.

"Kennel" means any person, firm or corporation engaged in breeding, buying, selling, distributing or boarding dogs and/or cats.

Owner.

1.

"Owner" means any person, firm or corporation owning, having an interest in, or having control or custody or possession of, any animal.

2.

Any person keeping or harboring a dog for fifteen (15) consecutive days shall be deemed to be the owner thereof, within the meaning of this title.

"Person" means and includes any person, partnership, corporation, trust, and association of persons.

"Pet shop" means any person, firm, or corporation operating an establishment where live animals and/or birds are kept for sale, for hire, or sold.

"Unlicensed dog" as used in this title means a dog for which the license for the current year has not been paid, or to which the tag provided for in this title is not attached.

"Wild animal" means any animal not ordinarily and customarily domesticated, including, but not limited to, skunk, raccoon, opossum, squirrel, fox.

Whenever any reference is made to any portion of this title, such reference applies to all amendments and additions thereto now or hereinafter made.

The present tense includes the past and future tenses and the future, the present. Each gender includes the other two genders.

The singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.

Whenever a power is granted to, or a duty is imposed upon the Animal Control Center, the power shall be exercised or the duty shall be performed by the Senior Animal Control Officer and/or the Animal Control Officer, or by any person or organization, its officers, agents, and employees, designated by contract or otherwise to enforce this title.

(Ord. No. 13280, § 2, 12-16-2014; Ord. 12705 § 1, 2005: Prior code § 3-9.01 (part))