(A) Any Person who wishes to receive, purchase, own or keep 15 or more Permissible Exotic or Wild Animals shall first obtain an Exotic or Wild Animal Collection Permit (EWACP).
(B) The applicant shall supply AACC with a list of all Exotics owned by the applicant. The EWACP Holder shall supply an updated list every year as part of the Permit renewal process.
(C) Notwithstanding the foregoing, zoological parks, Rehabilitators licensed through the State of New Mexico, Veterinary hospitals, and the humane society shelters are excluded from the provisions of this section, provided that the excluded facilities use protective devices adequate to prevent the Exotic or Wild Animals from escaping or injuring the public and the Animals will not be used in any kind of testing or experimentation. The city expects these excluded entities to treat the Exotic or Wild Animals in their possession in a humane manner as stated in this article.
(D) No Person shall own, harbor or keep any species in violation of federal or New Mexico law.
(E) Exotic or Wild Animals shall never be released from captivity within the city limits without written permission from the Mayor’s designee whether or not the Owner has an EWACP.
(F) The Mayor’s designee may Seize the Exotic or Wild Animal for its Owner's failure to obtain an EWACP or comply with this article and such Animal shall become the property of the city. The EWACP Holder or Owner of the Exotic or Wild Animal is liable for any costs incurred by the city and such costs may result in a lien being placed against the Exotic or Wild Animal.
(G) The Mayor’s designee shall use Seizure procedures which protect the public, the Exotic or Wild Animal and other Animals. The Mayor’s designee may convey an Exotic or Wild Animal in his possession to any Zoo, Sanctuary or refuge or dispose of the Animal in a Humane Manner.
(Ord. 18-2006; Am. Ord. 2023-016)