§ 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:

Animal warden means the person employed and/or designated by the town to enforce this article.

At large means a dog moving at liberty off the occupied property of its owner and not under restraint of a competent person.

Competent person means an individual of sufficient physical stature, strength and persuasive ability to exercise restrictive control over the activities of any dog in his care.

Means to properly remove and dispose of feces means that an owner or custodian of a dog will have on or near their person a device such as a plastic bag, or other disposable vessel that can be used to fully clean up and contain dog waste until it can be disposed of in a trash can. Such a device must be produced and shown to anyone authorized to enforce this article upon request.

Nuisance means a dog shall be considered to be a nuisance and a threat to the public health, welfare and/or tranquility if it:

(1)

Overturned and/or dispersed the contents of trash or garbage containers.

(2)

Moved at large in the company of two or more other dogs.

(3)

Chased or otherwise assaulted pedestrians or bicyclists.

(4)

Attacked, fought with or threatened other dogs or animals.

(5)

Barked continually for periods exceeding 15 minutes.

Restraint means a dog:

(1)

Controlled by a leash in hand of 20 feet in length or less.

(2)

Under control of a competent person and demonstrably and without exception obedient to that person's commands. (Voice control shall not be recognized as an authorized method of restraint from May 15 through September 30 of each year.)

(3)

On or within an enclosed motor vehicle which effectively prevents it from biting or otherwise assaulting passersby who are either on foot or in or on another vehicle.

(4)

Within a fenced enclosure.

(5)

Within its owner's property limits, providing that it consistently demonstrates its ability to voluntarily restrict its activities to those limits.

(6)

Within the confines of an uninhabited sandbar or marsh island located within the jurisdiction of the town.

(Code 1979, § 8-2001; Code 1990, § 3-26; Ord. of 11-9-1988; Ord. of 7-17-1990; Ord. No. 01-008, § 1, 12-12-2001; Ord. of 8-12-2015(2))