Contra Costa County Municipal Code Ch. 416-2 Definitions

As used in Division 416, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(Ord. 80-97 § 2).

"Animal services director" means the head of the animal services department and the animal services director's designated subordinates.

(Ord. No. 2024-23, § III(Exh. A), 12-3-24; Ord. 80-97 § 2).

"City" means any city in this county which has adopted an ordinance under Agricultural Code § 30501, requesting the application of this division within the city.

(Ord. 80-97 § 2).

"Licensing authority" means the authority designated by the board of supervisors by resolution.

(Ord. 80-97 § 2).

"Owner" includes the legal owner, equitable owner, and any person, association, partnership, or corporation harboring or having custody or control of an animal.

(Ord. 80-97 § 2).

"License tag" means a numbered tag, stamped with the name of the county, and issued by the licensing authority for the purpose of identifying the owner and the dog or cat described in the license application and worn by that dog or cat.

(Ord. 80-97 § 2).

"Veterinarian" means a person authorized to practice veterinary medicine in California.

(Ord. 80-97 § 2).

"Wild animal" or "exotic animal" means any of the following:

(1) Any animal described in California Fish and Game Code Sections 2116 and 2118;

(2) Any animal described in any addition to Fish and Game Code Section 2118 by regulation of the Fish and Game Commission as provided in Section 2118(j);

(3) Class Aves: (birds)

(a) Order Falconiformes (including, but not limited to, hawks, eagles, and vultures),

(b) Subdivision Ratitae (including but not limited to, ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, and emus);

(4) Class Reptilia: (snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators)

(a) Order Ophidia (including, but not limited to; racers, boas, water snakes, and pythons) over six feet long,

(b) Order Loricata (including, but not limited to, alligators, caymans, and crocodiles) over twelve inches long;

(5) Any class, order, family, genera, or species of wild animals which may be designated by the animal services director as a menace to public peace, health or safety, or to native wildlife or agricultural interests, by written designation filed with the clerk of the board of supervisors;

(6) Any nondomestic species when kept, maintained or harbored in such numbers or in such a manner as to create or constitute a nuisance or, in any event, a likelihood of danger to such animals, other animals, the environment or the persons or property of human beings;

(7) Any species of animal which is venomous to human beings, whether by bite, sting, touch or otherwise, except honey-producing bees.

(Ord. 80-97 § 2).