§ 4-2. Definitions.

[As used in this chapter:]

Aggressive approach shall mean an approach by any growling or snarling animal with its hackles raised.

Animals shall mean any and all types of animals, both domesticated and wild, male and female, except human beings.

Animals at large shall mean an animal not under restraint and off the premises of its owner.

Animal exposed to rabies shall mean animal which has been bitten by any animal lawfully documented by the director of the Maryland Animal Health Department to be infected with rabies.

Animals under restraint Shall mean an animal secured by a leash or lead, not exceeding six (6) feet in length, and under the control of a person able to physically constrain the animal or confined within a vehicle in accordance with (county/state) standards or within the real property limits of its owner.

Attack shall mean any unprovoked aggressive approach by an animal not under restraint and control of its owner.

Domesticated animals shall mean and include, but not necessarily be limited to, cats (Felix domestica), cows, dogs (canine), fowl, horses, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, mice, rats, fish, birds, and domesticated wild animals.

Enclosure shall mean a fence or structure of at least six (6) feet in height, forming a confined area sufficient to prevent the entry of young children, and in conjunction with tethering or other measures, is effective in containing an animal. Such enclosure shall be securely enclosed and locked and equipped with secure sides, top, and bottom, and shall be designed to prevent the animal from escaping from the enclosure.

Fence enclosure shall mean an enclosure constructed of one (1) inch mesh if the animals is fifty and one-tenth (50.1) pounds or over, or one-and-a-half-inch mesh if the animal is fifty (50) pounds or less.

Fierce, dangerous, or vicious animal shall mean:

(1)

Any animal that has been declared to be fierce, dangerous or vicious by the Prince George's County Animal Control Commission; or

(2)

Any animal not licensed according to the ordinances and regulations of Prince George's County.

Officer shall mean any duly authorized police officer, animal control warden or Cheverly code enforcement officer.

Owner shall mean any person who keeps, has temporary or permanent custody, possesses, harbors, exercises control over, or has a property right in any animal, livestock, or fowl. The parent(s) or guardian of a minor shall be deemed to be the owner of an animal owned or in the possession and control of the minor child for purposes of this subtitle and shall be liable for all damages caused by the animal.

Pet shall mean a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility.

Public nuisance animal shall mean any animal which:

(1)

Is fierce, dangerous, or vicious; or

(2)

Is not licensed according to the ordinances and regulations of Prince George's County; or

(3)

Has been designated by the Prince George's County Animal Control Commission to be a public nuisance by virtue of being a menace to the public health, welfare, or safety; or

(4)

For three (3) or more times within any consecutive twelve-month period, is found:

(a)

Being at large; or

(b)

Damaging public property or the property of anyone other than its owner including leaving solid waste; or

(c)

Causing fouling of the air by odors; or

(d)

Causing less than sanitary conditions in enclosures or premises on which it is maintained; or

(e)

Excessively making disturbing noises; or

(f)

Being ineffectively controlled by its owner.

Sanitary conditions in an enclosure or on an owner's premises shall mean an enclosure or premises that is cleared of any solid waste on a daily basis.

Vaccination shall mean an antirabies vaccination using a type of vaccine approved by the state veterinarian.

(Ord. No. 3-88, 7-14-88)