§ 3-5. Definitions.

Adequate shelter means a clean, ventilated, shaded enclosed area of at least three (3) sides and a weatherproof roof accessible by an animal, of sufficient size and nature so as to provide the animal with free movement, a place to lie down ably, and reasonable protection from adverse weather conditions.

Animal means every nonhuman, animate being that is endowed with the power of voluntary motion, including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, livestock and other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish but does not include farm animals.

Animal control officers means persons properly appointed by the city to enforce all sections of this chapter and applicable state laws and who are responsible for discharging such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by the city council as set forward by this chapter or any other applicable ordinance or state law.

Cat means a domestic feline of either sex.

Dog means a domestic canine of either sex.

Farm animal shall be defined in G.S. 160A-203.1.

Impounded means any animal that is received into custody by any employee of the city or county.

Owner means any person owning, keeping, having charge of sheltering, feeding, harboring or taking care of any animal for fourteen (14) or more consecutive days, unless the animal is boarded for a fee. If a commercial kennel is involved for breeding, ownership shall be indicated by the kennel operator by showing the registration of the animal in the name of the actual owner of the animal.

Premises mean a definite portion of real estate, including land with its appurtenances, a building or part of a building.

Standards of care for farm animals includes the following: the construction, repair, or improvement of farm animal shelter or housing; restrictions on the types of feed or medicines that may be administered to farm animals; and exercise and social interaction requirements.

Teasing means any act done towards an animal that a reasonable person would expect to irritate or enrage such an animal to the extent that the animal would be likely to bite or attack, including, but not limited to, annoying, provoking, harassing, beating, torturing, injuring, or intentionally causing pain to an animal.

Tether is defined as a metal chain or coated steel cable to restrain a dog. Tethering refers to the practice of securing a dog to a stationary object by means of a metal chain or coated steel cable for keeping the animal restrained. This does not refer to periods when animals are being walked on a leash or for temporary grooming or other professional services.

(Ord. No. 2014-25 , § 1, 7-28-14; Ord. No. 2017-20 , § 1, 5-8-17; Ord. No. 2019-16 , § 3, 4-8-19)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 2014-25 , § 1, adopted July 28, 2014, amended the Code by adding new provisions to be numbered §§ 3-4—3-7. In order to prevent duplication of section numbers, the new provisions have been added as §§ 3-5—3-8.