§ 91.00. Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:

"Animal." All species of mammals, except humans, and all species of birds.

"Animal shelter." Any facility maintained within Sarasota or Manatee Counties for the confinement and maintenance of dogs and other animals that come into its custody in the performance of its official duties, for the relief of suffering of dogs and other animals, or for the confinement, maintenance, safekeeping, and control of dogs and other animals that come into its custody.

"At large." At large shall mean any dog or cat on the owner's premises, not in the control of the owner or custodian; or any dog or cat off the premises of the owner or custodian and not under the physical control of the owner or custodian.

"Law enforcement officer." The town police officer or any other officer having jurisdiction within the town.

"Motor vehicle." Any vehicle defined as a motor vehicle by F.S. ch. 316.

"Vicious animal." Any animal which meets any of the following criteria:

(1)

Any animal which aggressively bites, attacks, endangers or has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property;

(2)

Any animal which has more than once severely injured or killed a dog or cat;

(3)

Any animal which has been used primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting or is trained for fighting;

(4)

Any animal which, without adequate provocation, chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; provided that, such actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more persons and dutifully investigated by the appropriate county authority;

(5)

Any dog defined and certified as a dangerous dog under F.S. ch. 767; or

(6)

Is otherwise determined to be a vicious animal by the appropriate county authority.

(Ord. 2015-14, passed 7-6-15)