The text
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Animal control officer means the person employed by the town as its officer to enforce this chapter, including any police officer of the town.
Animal shelter means any premises now or hereafter designated by the town for the impoundment, confinement, care and shelter of any animal in the enforcement of this article; such term shall be construed as synonymous with the term "pound."
Bite means the actual puncture or tearing of the skin inflicted by the teeth of any animal.
Collared—A dog is properly collared when it wears a collar around its neck. If such dog is on or in any public street, sidewalk, way, beach, park, grounds or building, such collar shall bear a plate or tag whereon the name and address of its owner are displayed and, when appropriate, a license tag.
Direct command and control—A dog is under the direct command and control of the owner or keeper when: (a)
The dog returns upon voice command or when prompted by a remotely controlled electronic signal; and
(b)
The owner or keeper maintains constant awareness of the dog's whereabouts and conduct; and
(c)
The owner or keeper carries a leash and employs it when necessary; and
(d)
The owner or keeper prevents the dog from interacting with any other person(s) or dog(s) unless and until said person(s) or owner(s) or keeper(s) of said dog(s) clearly communicate their assent to the interaction. Owners or keepers of dogs who are participating in off leash activity shall be presumed to have given their implied consent to interaction with other owners, keepers, and dogs engaged in the same activity at the same time and location.
Dog at large means a dog when it is off the property of its owner or keeper and not under the control of a competent person.
Exposed to rabies means an animal bitten by, or exposed to, any animal known to have been infected with rabies.
In heat means sexual excitement in a female animal and such period of time when animals are particularly attractive to male animals of the same species.
Kennel means the premises of any person engaged in breeding, buying, selling, training or boarding of dogs.
Licensed means a dog, or other animal when appropriate, when it has lawfully attached or affixed to its collar a tag or identifying device issued pursuant to law by any ordinance of the town or statute of the state.
Neutered male (dog) means any male dog which has been surgically altered so as to effect the removal of its testicles.
Owner or keeper means any person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog, or who has charge and custody of a dog.
Restraint (of dog) means a dog controlled by leash, cord, chain, fence or other physical, natural, or electronic barrier, or under the command and control of a competent person, or within a vehicle being driven or parked on the streets, or within the property limits of its owner or keeper.
Spayed female (dog) means any female dog which has been surgically altered so as to effect the removal of its ovaries and uterus to prevent conception.
Veterinarian means a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine under the laws of the state.
(Code 1982, § 4-1; Code 2003, § 10-1; Ord. of 11-15-2021, § 1(Exh. A))