Chapter 6.04
DEFINITIONS
Sections:
6.04.010 Definitions.
For the purposes of this title, unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended, certain terms used herein are defined as follows:
A. “Animal” means any mammal, bird, reptile, fish or other vertebrate creature, domestic or wild.
B. “Animal at large” means:
1. While on the guardian’s premises, or while on the premises of a third party with the permission of that party, any animal which is not confined to the premises by a leash, tether, adequate fence or other physical control or constraint or which is not under the immediate custody and control of its guardian. The phrase “immediate custody and control” shall be construed narrowly. Any dog which is not within both sight and range of verbal command of its guardian while on the guardian’s premises shall be presumed to be outside of the immediate custody and control of its guardian and shall be presumed to be at large.
2. While off the guardian’s premises, any animal: (a) not restrained by a leash, tether or other physical control not exceeding six feet in length; and (b) not under the physical control of a person shall be presumed to be at large.
C. “Animal control officer” means the poundmaster, deputy poundmaster and such deputies as the poundmaster may appoint to carry out animal control officer duties and shall also include all city police officers and community service officers.
D. “Animal exhibitions” means to present any animal for public view for the purpose of entertainment, conveyance, sale or competition and includes but is not limited to rodeos, circuses, zoos and animal auctions.
E. “Bucking strap” or “flank strap” means any device, strap or object generally made of leather and sometimes padded with a woolen lining which is placed around the flank regions of a horse or bull, behind the rib cage and just forward of the hind legs, and which is tightened immediately before the animal is scheduled to perform.
F. “Cat” means any member of Felis domesticus species of animals and shall be considered personal property.
G. “Director” means the poundmaster or such other officer, as the city council shall appoint to administer this chapter.
H. “Dog” means any member of the Canis familiaris and other Canis species of animals including but not limited to wolf-dog or coyote-dog crosses.
I. “Impounded” means having been received into the custody of the animal shelter, any authorized agent or representative thereof, the poundmaster, deputy poundmaster or any duly sworn law enforcement officer in the course of his or her duty.
J. “Livestock” means animals kept for husbandry including but not limited to horses, mules, burros, asses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry.
K. “Guardian” means any person, firm or corporation owning, having an interest in or having control, custody or possession of any animal.
L. “Owner” means any person who intentionally provides care or sustenance for any animal, has title to or an interest in, harbors or has control of any animal, including, but not limited to, a dog or cat; a “custodian” is any person who intentionally provides care or sustenance for any animal, including but not limited to a dog or cat, on behalf of another or represents the interests of the owner.
M. “Person” means any natural person, association, partnership or corporation.
N. “Pet shop” means any store, department of any store or any place of business where dogs, cats, monkeys, birds, reptiles or any other animals are kept for hire or sale.
O. “Poundmaster” means the police chief of the city or other such person designated by the city council to serve in this capacity.
P. “Sexually un-reproductive” means being incapable of reproduction by reason of age or physical condition or incapable by reason of being subjected to a medical procedure to be rendered unproductive and certified by a licensed veterinarian as such.
Q. “Unlicensed dog” means any dog for which a current license fee has not been paid or to which the tag provided for in this chapter is not attached.
R. “Vicious animal” means any animal, except a dog assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties, which bites any human being or any domestic animal or which demonstrates menacing behavior toward human beings or domestic animals but does not include an animal which bites, attacks or menaces a trespasser on the property of its guardian or harms or menaces anyone who has tormented, tortured, or exhibited cruelty to such animal as such terms are defined in California Penal Code Section 597. (Ord. 1013 § 1, 2017; Ord. 912 § 2, 2006)