This section defines terms used in this Part.
The following definitions apply in this Part: (1)Animal Control Officer. — A city or county employee whose responsibility includes animal control. The term “Animal Control Officer” also includes agents of a private organization that is operating an animal shelter under contract with a city or county whenever those agents are performing animal control functions at the shelter. (2)Cat. — A domestic feline of the genus and species Felis catus. (3)Certified rabies vaccinator. — A person appointed and certified to administer rabies vaccine to animals in accordance with this Part. (4)Dog. — A domestic canine of the genus, species, and subspecies Canis lupus familiaris. (4a)Feral. — An animal that is not socialized. (4b)Ferret. — A domestic mammal of the genus, species, and subspecies Mustela putorius furo. (5)Rabies vaccine. — An animal rabies vaccine licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and approved for use in this State by the Commission. (6)State Public Heath Veterinarian. — A person appointed by the Secretary to direct the State public health veterinary program. (6a)Stray. — An animal that meets both of the following conditions: a.Is beyond the limits of confinement or lost. b.Is not wearing any tags, microchips, tattoos, or other methods of identification. (7)Vaccination. — The administration of rabies vaccine by a person authorized to administer it under G.S. 130A-185. History: History.1935, c. 122, s. 1; 1949, c. 645, s. 1; 1953, c. 876, s. 1; 1957, c. 1357, s. 3; 1973, c. 476, s. 128; 1983, c. 891, s. 2; 2009-304, s. 2; 2009-327, s. 1.