Chapter 7.02
DEFINITIONS
Sections:
7.02.010 Definitions.
The following definitions apply throughout this title:
A. Except where this code expressly applies only to dogs, cats, or domestic animals, “animal” means any nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian.
B. “Animal control officer” means any individual employed, contracted, or appointed by the city of Shelton to aid in the enforcement of ordinances or laws regulating the care and control of animals.
C. “Altered” means a domestic animal has been spayed or neutered.
D. “At large” means an animal that is off or outside its owner’s property, has no licensed owner, or has been abandoned by its owner, and is not being securely confined by a responsible party or restrained by a leash.
E. “Euthanize” means to humanely kill an animal through legal means, such as by a licensed veterinary service.
F. “Foster home” means a temporary home with approval by the animal control officer to house lost, abandoned, or unwanted dogs and cats until an adoptive home is located.
G. “K-9 law enforcement dog” means a dog used by a law enforcement agency that is specially trained for law enforcement work.
H. “Law enforcement officer” means an individual employed, contracted, appointed, or otherwise authorized by law to aid in the enforcement of ordinances or laws regulating the care and/or control of animals.
I. “Leash” means to physically restrain an animal by lead or chain eight feet or less in length.
J. “Microchip” means permanent electronic identification injected into an animal.
K. “Owner” means any person who has a right, claim, title, legal share, or right of possession to an animal or a person having lawful control, custody, or possession of an animal.
L. “Pet animal” means a tamed or domesticated animal legally retained by a person and kept as a companion. “Pet animal” does not include livestock raised for commercial purposes.
M. “Rabies certificate” means a verification from a licensed veterinarian that an animal has been vaccinated against rabies.
N. “Service dog” means any animal that is trained or being trained to aid a person who has a visual, hearing, or mobility impairment or other disability, and is used for that purpose in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The term does not include animals whose sole purpose is to provide comfort or emotional support.
O. “Spay or neuter” means surgical procedures performed in order to prevent animals from reproducing. (Ord. 1983-0122 § 1, 2022)