§ 4-21. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Bite means seized with the teeth or jaws so that the person or thing seized has been nipped or gripped or has been wounded or pierced, and includes contact of saliva with any break or abrasion of skin.

Dog means all members of the canine family.

Dog control officers means the persons appointed by the mayor with approval by the city council, and all subordinates, who have authority to apprehend and impound dogs, including any city police officer.

Owner.

(1)

A person shall be deemed to be the owner of a dog if such person:

a.

Has a right of property in such dog;

b.

Keeps or harbors such dog on or about any premises owned or occupied by him;

c.

Permits such dog to remain on or about any premises owned or occupied by him, where such person knows or has reason to know of the presence of such dog on such premises; or

d.

Has such dog in his care or custody.

(2)

A person who is a householder shall be deemed to be the owner of a dog if a member of the household other than such householder keeps or harbors such dog on or about any premises occupied by the householder and such member of the household as their residence:

a.

For purposes of this subsection (2), a householder is any person who is the head of a household.

b.

For purposes of this subsection (2), a person is the head of a household if such person occupies premises upon which he maintains as his home a household which constitutes the place of residence of such person together with any one or more of the following members of such household:

1.

The spouse of such person;

2.

A descendant of such person who has not attained the age of 18 years; or

3.

Any minor child who is in the care and custody of such person, whether or not a descendant of such person.

Pound means the place designated from time to time by the city council for the impounding of dogs in accordance with the laws of the state and ordinances of the city.

Running at large means off the property of the owner and not under the physical control of the owner or a member of his household either by leash, cord, chain or other physical device.

(Code 1966, § 8.08; Ord. No. 776, 5-16-77)

Cross reference

Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.