§ 6-96. Definitions.

(a)

"Dangerous animal" is any animal, other than domestic dogs and cats, which in their wild state are carnivorous or poisonous or which, due to their physical makeup or capabilities, are capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to human beings. This includes, but is not limited to, animals belonging to the cat or snake family, including all constrictors, bears, wolverines, badgers, lions, tigers, and such other animals as the city council may from time to time determine by order or resolution to be vicious animals. The Tupelo - Lee Humane Society is authorized to compile and maintain a list of such animals as may be determined to be regulated by this article.

(b)

Any pit bull terrier, which shall be herein defined as any Staffordshire bull terrier breed of dog, American Staffordshire bull terrier breed of dog, American pit-bull terrier breed of dog or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire bull terrier or American pit bull terrier so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed of Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire bull terrier or American pit bull terrier by any qualified veterinarian duly licensed as such by the State of Mississippi.

(c)

Any other domestic dog or cat or any other animal that exhibits any of the following characteristics shall also be considered to be a "dangerous animal" subject to all requirements and provisions of this article:

(1)

Without provocation approaches in a threatening or terrorizing manner, any person in an apparent attitude of attack or exhibits any behavior that constitutes a physical threat or bodily harm to a person on the street, sidewalks, any public or common grounds or places, or any place where such person is conducted himself peaceably and lawfully;

(2)

Without provocation bites, inflicts injury, assaults or otherwise attacks a person, in any place where such person is conducting himself peaceably and lawfully, or animal when such animal is not on the property of the attacking animal;

(3)

A known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack without provocation, to cause injury, or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or other domestic animals;

(4)

Owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting or any animal trained for fighting.

(d)

"Person" includes any natural person, association, partnership, organization or corporation.

(e)

"Own" or "keep" means to own, keep, harbor, control, manage, possess, maintain, or to have charge or custody of or provide care for.

(f)

"Owner" or "keeper" means any person who owns or keeps a "dangerous animal" or "dangerous dog".

(Ord. of 7-5-16(1), § 1)