§ 4-25. Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them:

Animal shelter: Any premises designated by the city for the purpose of impounding and caring for all animals running at large in violation of this article.

At large: Off the property of the owner and not under restraint by a competent person.

Cat: A domestic feline of either sex, including one neutered or sterilized.

Dog: A domestic canine of either sex, including one neutered or sterilized.

Domestic animal: This shall include the following species: Dog, cat, horse, cow, pig, sheep, goat. It does not include hybrid species resulting from crossing wild with domestic species.

Harboring: The act of keeping or caring for an animal or of providing a premise to which the animal returns for a period of three (3) days.

Local health authority: This shall mean the reporting agent for the purposes of this article, whose duties consist of the following:

(1)

Receiving all reports of animal bites and scratches to humans.

(2)

Receiving all reports of suspected rabid animals.

(3)

Investigation of all reported animal bites and scratches and suspected rabid animals.

(4)

Order quarantine, if appropriate, of any animal which has exposed an individual or which may be rabid.

(5)

Other duties as entailed by the text of this article.

(6)

In the City of Athens, the local health authority shall be made up of the chief of police, animal warden and the public works director.

Owner: Any person owning, harboring, keeping or having control or custody of a dog.

Rabies vaccination: This shall mean the vaccination of a dog, cat or other domestic animal with a rabies vaccine approved by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by a veterinarian licensed by the State of Texas.

Stray animal: Any animal for which there is no identifiable owner.

Under restraint: Controlled by leash, cord, or other suitable material attached to a collar or harness, or within a motor vehicle.

Vicious animal: Any animal which commits an unprovoked attack upon a person on public or private property, or that attacks, threatens to attack or terrorizes a person on public property or in a public place.

Wild animal: Refers to any mammal native to North America except the domestic species (dog, cat, horse, cow, pig, sheep, goat).

(Ord. of 2-22-65, § 1; Ord. No. A-2008, § 1, 2-13-84)