§ 4-21. Definitions.

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

Animal means mammals, reptiles and birds.

At large means to be off the premises of the owner and not under the control of some person either by leash or otherwise, but a dog or cat within an automobile of its owner, or in an automobile of any other person with the consent of the owner of said dog or cat, shall be deemed to be upon the owner's premises.

Cat means any feline, regardless of age or sex.

Cruel means causing unnecessary and excessive pain or suffering or unjustifiable injury or death.

Dog means any canine, regardless of age or sex.

Farm animal means any warm-blooded animal normally raised on farms in the United States and used for food or fiber.

Law enforcement officer has that meaning as appears in Wis. Stats. § 967.02(5), and includes a humane officer under Wis. Stats. § 58.07, but does not include a conservation warden appointed under Wis. Stats. § 23.10.

Neutered, describing a dog or cat, means a dog or cat having nonfunctional reproductive organs.

Owner means any person owning, harboring or keeping a dog or cat and the occupant of any premises on which a dog or cat remains or to which it customarily returns daily for a period of ten days; such person is presumed to be harboring or keeping the dog or cat within the meaning of this section.

Pet means an animal kept and treated as a pet.

(Code 1989, § 7-1-1(b))

State law reference

State law definitions, Wis. Stats. § 174.001.