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As used in this chapter, the following terms are defined:

"Abandon" means the act of leaving an animal: (a) without food, water, or care for twenty-four (24) hours or more; or (b) in a situation where the condition presents an immediate, direct, and serious threat to the life, safety, or health of the animal.

"Animal" means any live vertebrate creature, domestic or wild, whether spayed, neutered or whole.

"Animal control officer" means any person designated by the chief of police or the municipal government as a law enforcement officer for the purpose of enforcing ordinances, statutes or regulations relating to animals.

"Animal shelter" means any facility operated by a humane society, or municipal agency, or its authorized contractors or agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or state law.

"At heel" means for any animal to be positioned and controlled in such a manner so as to remain within a distance of two feet from its owner or other competent person having charge of such animal.

"At large" means off the premises of the owner or upon the public streets, alleys, public grounds, school grounds, or parks within the city. An animal is not "at large" if it is:

1. Attached to a leash or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the animal, not more than eight feet in length, and held by a person competent to restrain and control the animal off the owner's premises; or

2. Restrained within a motor vehicle; or

3. Accompanied by and at heel beside the owner or a competent responsible person; or

4. It is confined, tied or restrained so as to be unable to range beyond the owner's premises.

"Competent person" means any person who, by reason of age and physical ability, and/or training, is capable of maintaining control of the animal in the charge or custody of such person.

"Dangerous dog" means any dog that:

1. Has inflicted severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property; or

2. Has killed a domestic animal without provocation while off the owner's property; or

3. Has been previously found to be potentially dangerous, the owner having received notice of such and the dog again aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans or domestic animals.

"Humane society" means any organization for the prevention of cruelty to animals incorporated under the laws of the state of Washington.

"Kennel" means an establishment wherein any person engages in the business of boarding, breeding, buying, letting for hire, training for a fee, or selling dogs or cats; or premises where four or more dogs and cats over six months of age are harbored.

"Owner" means any person who has legal title to an animal, any person who has possession or custody of an animal, any person who harbors an animal, and/or any person who permits or allows the animal to remain on his property. An animal shall be deemed harbored if it is fed or sheltered for three consecutive days or more.

"Person" includes any person, firm, partnership, corporation, trust or association or group of persons.

"Potentially dangerous dog" means any dog that without provocation:

1. Inflicts bites on a human or a domestic animal, either on public or private property; or

2. Chases or approaches a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; or

3. Causes injury or otherwise threatens the safety of humans or domestic animals.

"Proper enclosure of a dangerous dog" means a dangerous dog while on the owner's property shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent the entry of young children or their being able to place any portion of their anatomy so as to expose it to risk of attack by the dog and designed to prevent the animal from escaping. Such pen or structure shall have secure sides and a secure top, and shall also provide protection from the elements for the dog.

"Severe injury" means any physical injury that results in broken bones or lacerations requiring sutures or cosmetic surgery.

"Stray animal" means animal found at large without any apparent owner or home.

"Veterinary hospital" means an establishment regularly maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals.

(Prior code § 6.06.010)