2016-002 - Amending Chapter 5 - Animals and Fowl of the Code of Ordinances

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Pot Bellied Pig shall refer to a variety of swine that is no more than 18 inches in height at shoulder level when fully grown, has short erect ears and a straight tail. No swine shall be considered a pot - bellied pig if its weight exceeds 95 pounds, unless registered with a licensed breeder. Properly fitted with respect to a collar or neck restraint shall mean one that measures the circumference of a dog's neck plus at least one inch. With respect to a harness, "properly fitted" means one that is of an adequate size, design and construction as appropriate for the dog's size and weight. Rabies vaccination shall mean an injection of United States Department of Agriculture approved rabies vaccine administered as required by the Texas Health and Safety Code 826.12. Running at large shall mean an animal not completely confined by a building, wall, fence or other enclosure of sufficient strength or function to restrain the animal, except when such animal is either on a leash, or held in the hands of the owner or keeper. An animal within an automobile or other vehicle of its owner shall not be deemed to be at large. Secure enclosure shall mean a house, or a building or kennel /pen which meets the requirements set forth below. In the case of a dangerous animal being kept outdoors, a kennel /pen which shall include a roof which is fastened to all vertical walls, which are submerged in an impervious material. The kennel /pen must be at least six feet in height and have the minimum dimensions of five feet by ten feet. The kennel /pen must form an enclosure suitable to prevent entry of young children, and must be locked and secured such that an animal cannot climb, dig, jump, or otherwise escape of its own volition. The enclosure shall be securely locked at all times. The kennel /pen will provide protection from the elements and allow for daily removal of waste as approved by the animal control manager or his /her representative. All secure enclosures shall be clearly marked as containing a dangerous animal. Spay /neuter shall mean the surgical removal of the reproductive organs of a dog or cat to render the animal unable to reproduce. Veterinarian shall mean a doctor of veterinary medicine who holds a valid license to practice his /her profession in the state. Wild animal shall mean any poisonous or dangerous reptile, or any other animal which can normally be found in the wild state, not normally capable of being domesticated including, but not limited to, foxes, leopards, lions, lynx, monkeys (nonhuman primates), panthers, raccoons, skunks and also includes offspring of domesticated canine and wild canine cross - breeds such as coyote or wolf hybrids. This shall apply regardless of duration of captivity.