§ 6.04.010. Definitions.

A.

Running at Large. Any dog found on any street, sidewalk, alley, parkway, unenclosed place, or on the private property of any person other than the owner or keeper, shall be deemed running at large, unless such dog is firmly held on a leash or is in an enclosed vehicle.

B.

"Department of Agriculture" means the Department of Agriculture of the state of Illinois.

C.

Dog. Whenever "dog" is used in this code, it shall include a female, as well as a male dog, and all members of the family canidae.

D.

"Inoculation against rabies" means the injection subcutaneously or otherwise as approved by the Department of Agriculture of the state of Illinois of canine antirabic vaccine, approved by the Department of Agriculture.

E.

Owner. For the purpose of this code, the word "owner" means a person having right of property in a dog or who keeps or harbors a dog, or who has a dog in his care, or who acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog to remain on or about any premises occupied by him.

F.

Restraint. A dog is under "restraint" within the meaning of this code if it is controlled by a leash; within a vehicle being driven or parked on the streets; or within the property limits of its owner or keeper.

G.

Dangerous Dog. Any individual dog which when either unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by its owner or a member of its owner's family, in a vicious or terrorizing manner approaches any person in an apparent attitude of attack, upon streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds or places, or on the private property of any person other than its owner or keeper.

H.

Vicious Dog.

1.

Any individual dog that when unprovoked inflicts bites to or otherwise attacks a human being or other animal either on public or private property.

2.

Any individual dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack with provocation, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals.

3.

Any individual dog which attacks a human being or domestic animal without provocation; or

4.

Any individual dog which has been found to be a "dangerous dog" upon three separate occasions.

5.

No dog shall be deemed "vicious" if it bites, attacks or menaces a trespasser, other than a child under the age of seven years, on the property of its owner, or harms or menaces anyone who has tormented or abused it, or is a professionally trained dog for law enforcement or guard duties.

(Ord. 734 (part), 1997: Ord. 673 (part), 1990).