A. 
This chapter may be cited as the "Animal Control Ordinance."
B. 
It is the intent of the governing body that this chapter protect animals from cruelty, neglect and abuse, protect residents from annoyance and injury, assist in providing housing for animals in a control center, finance the functions of licensing and recovery, and establish a program for the sterilization of animals.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ANIMAL
Any vertebrate member of the animal kingdom, excluding human beings.
ANIMAL CONTROL CENTER
The facility maintained and operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
An employee of the City, designated as such by the Director, who has the authority of a peace officer to issue citations for violations of this chapter and performs such other duties relating to animal control as prescribed by the City Manager or respective department head.
ANTI-ESCAPE PROVISION
Any housing, fencing or device which a guard dog cannot go over, under, through or around.
BITE
An actual puncture or tear of the skin inflicted by the teeth of an animal.
COMMERCIAL KENNEL
Any commercial establishment or premises where 10 or more dogs or cats, over three months of age, are boarded, kept or maintained for any purpose whatsoever, with the exception of state-inspected veterinary hospitals and shelters.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
A. 
A portion of land, buildings or land and buildings in the City zoned for or utilized for commercial or business uses, including temporary sites; and
B. 
Any vehicle utilized for commercial or business purposes in the City.
DIRECTOR
The Division Director of the Animal Control Division or his duly authorized representative.
ENCLOSED LOT
A parcel of land or portion thereof in private ownership around the perimeter of which a wall or fence has been erected.
ESTABLISHMENT
A place of business together with its grounds and equipment.
GROOMING PARLOR
Any establishment, or part thereof, or premises maintained for the purpose of offering animal cosmetological services for profit.
GUARD DOG
Any dog that is utilized to protect commercial property, as defined above.
HANDLER
A person who trains dogs for socialization or dog shows or trials or a security person capable of controlling guard dogs.
HANDLER BREEDER or HOBBY BREEDER
Any person involved in controlled breeding of animals which are approved by a nationally recognized animal breeding organization, and are eligible to be so registered. Animals under the age of three months are not required to be registered. Handler breeders or hobby breeders are subject to the professional animal permit requirements.
HOBBY KENNEL
Any private, nonprofit premises operated by a person for the purpose of bringing aid and comfort to more than four animals but not to exceed 15 animals, which will be used for the purpose of breeding.
HOUSING
Any location where a guard dog is kept when not used for protection purposes.
IMPOUND
To take-up and confine an animal in a humane manner.
KENNEL
Any commercial establishment or premises where 10 or more dogs or cats, over three months of age, are boarded, kept or maintained for any purpose whatsoever, with the exception of state-inspected veterinary hospitals and shelters.
LICENSED VETERINARIAN VETERINARY MEDICINE DEGREE
A person with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, licensed to practice in the state.
NUISANCE
Includes, but is not limited to, defecation, urination, disturbing the peace, emitting noxious or offensive odors or otherwise endangering or offending the well-being of the inhabitants of the City.
OWNER OF ANIMAL
A person who owns, harbors or keeps, or knowingly permits an animal to be harbored or kept, or has an animal in his care, or who permits an animal to remain on or about his premises.
PERSON
Any individual, household, corporation, company, society, association, agent or employee thereof, firm, partnership, and every officer.
PET SHOP
Any commercial establishment or premises or part thereof maintained for the purchase, sale, exchange or hire of animals of any type, except that the term shall not include livestock auctions.
POLICE DOG
Any dog owned by a public agency and used in law enforcement activities under the direction of a handler.
PREMISES
A parcel of land and the structure thereon.
QUARANTINE
To detain or isolate an animal suspected of having a contagious disease.
RUNNING AT LARGE
Not confined within a building, shelter, walled or fenced area or secured by a leash, rope, chain or other restraining device, unless under the direct control of the owner/handler or keeper.
SHELTER
Any establishment owned and operated by a nonprofit humane organization licensed to do business in the state.
STRAY ANIMAL
Any animal found running at large beyond the boundaries of the premises of the owners.
VACCINATION
Protection provided against rabies by inoculation with antirabies vaccine recognized and approved by the state.
VICIOUS ANIMAL
Any animal which shall bite or in any other manner attack or attempt to attack any person or animal, except that any animal that bites, attacks, or attempts to attack any person or animal unlawfully upon its owner's or keeper's premises, without provocation, shall not be deemed a vicious animal.
WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMAL
Any animal not normally considered domesticated and shall include, but is not limited to:
A. 
Class reptilia: order phidia, such as racers, boas, water snakes and pythons; and order loricata, such as alligators, caymans and crocodiles.
B. 
The following members of the class aves: order falconiforms, such as hawks, eagles and vultures, and subdivision ratitae, such as ostriches, rheas, cassowaries and emus.
C. 
Class mammalia: order carnivora, family felidae, such as ocelots, amrgays, tigers, Jaguars, leopards and cougars, except commonly accepted domesticated cats; the family canidae, such as wolves, dingos, coyotes and jackals, except commonly domesticated dogs; family mustelidae, such as weasels, martins, mink, badgers; family procynnidae, such as raccoons; family ursidae, such as bears; and order marsupialia, such as kangaroos and common opossums; order edentata, such as sloths, anteaters and armadillos; order proboscidea, such as elephants; order primata, such as monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas; order rodenta, such as porcupines; and order ungulata, such as antelope, deer, bison and camels.
The Director is responsible for the administration of this chapter. Reasonable rules and regulations shall be prescribed by the Director and approved by the City Manager to carry out the intent and purpose of this chapter. The Director may delegate authority to his duly appointed control officers as he deems expedient to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
The City police, the Director and Animal Control Officers have the authority of peace officers to issue citations for violations of this chapter and to perform such other duties as are prescribed by the City Manager. An Animal Control Officer shall, over the first months of his or her employment, receive training and certification as an animal control officer. If the officer is unsuccessful in achieving certification within the first six months, he or she will be removed from the position of Animal Control Officer without right of appeal. This provision shall apply to officers hired after the adoption date of this chapter. An Animal Control Officer shall wear a uniform, and a badge, and a name tag identifying him as an Animal Control Officer. The badge shall be returned to the Director upon the termination of his employment.
Animal Control Officers, in the performance of their duties, may enter upon private property, except a private residence, for the purpose of apprehending animals running at large and stray animals.