§ 3-1. Definitions

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Animal control officer shall mean any person employed by the town as its enforcement officer and shall include any police officer of the town.

At large shall mean any dog when off the property of the owner and not under control of a competent person.

Cat as used in this chapter shall mean any member of Felis catus (excluding hybrids with wild felines).

Dog as used in this chapter shall mean any member of Canis familiaris (excluding hybrids with wild canines).

Dog pound shall mean any premises designated by action of the town for the purpose of impounding and caring for all animals found running at large in violation of this chapter.

Domestic animals shall mean domestic dog (Canis familiaris), domestic cat (Felis catus), domestic horse (Equus caballus), domestic cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) and domestic sheep (Ovis avies).

Exposed to rabies shall mean any animal that has been bitten by or exposed to any animal or creature known to have been infected with rabies.

Ferret as used in this chapter shall mean any member of the family Mustela putorius, or Common European Ferret.

Kennel shall mean any person engaged in the commercial business of breeding, buying, selling or boarding dogs or any animal subject to this chapter.

Leashed shall mean a cord or chain attached to the collar or harness of any animal subject to this chapter and held in the hand by the owner or competent person leading the animal.

Owner shall mean any person, group of persons or corporation owning, keeping or harboring any animal subject to this chapter.

Restraint shall mean leashed or on or within a vehicle being driven or parked on the streets or within the property limits of its owner or keeper.

Wild animal shall mean any raccoon, fox, skunk, bat, monkey, muskrat, deer, rat or woodchuck as well as any hybrid between a domestic dog or cat and its wild counterpart, e.g., dog and wolf.

(Rev. Ords. 1989, § 3-1; Ord. of 3-7-1994)

refcross

Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.

refstatelaw

Definitions, G.L. 1956, § 4-13-1.2.