Subd. 1. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
A. ANIMAL. Any mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, bird, including all fowl and poultry, or other member commonly accepted as part of the animal kingdom. ANIMALS shall be classified as follows:
1. DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Those animals commonly accepted as domesticated household pets. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include dogs, cats, caged birds, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated rabbits, nonpoisonous, non-venomous and non-constricting reptiles or amphibians, Vietnamese pot bellied pigs and other similar animals.
2. NON-DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Those animals commonly considered to be naturally wild and not naturally trained or domesticated, or which are commonly considered to be inherently dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of people. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include:
a. Any member of the large cat family (family Felidae) including lions, tigers, cougars, bobcats, leopards and jaguars, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated house cats;
b. Any naturally wild member of the canine family (family Canidae) including wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes and jackals, but excluding commonly accepted domesticated dogs;
c. Any crossbreeds such as the crossbreed between a wolf and a dog unless the crossbreed is commonly accepted as a domesticated pet;
d. Any member or relative of the rodent family including, but not limited to any skunk (whether or not de-scented), raccoon, squirrel or ferret, but excluding those members otherwise defined or commonly accepted as domesticated pets;
e. Any poisonous, venomous, constricting or inherently dangerous member of the reptile or amphibian families including, but not limited to rattlesnakes, boa constrictors, pit vipers, crocodiles and alligators; and
f. Any other animal which is not explicitly listed above, but which can be reasonably defined by the terms of this subdivision, including, but not limited to bears, deer, monkeys and game fish.
3. FARM ANIMALS. Those animals commonly associated with a farm or performing work in an agricultural setting. Unless otherwise defined, the animals shall include members of the equestrian family (horses, mules), bovine family (cows, bulls), sheep, poultry (chickens, turkeys), fowl (duck, geese), swine, goats, bees and other animals associated with a farm, ranch or stables.
B. CAT. Both the male and female of the Felidae species commonly accepted as domesticated household pets.
C. DOG. Both the male and female of the Canine species commonly accepted as domesticated household pets and other domesticated animals of a dog kind.
D. OWNER. Any person or persons, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping or harboring an animal.
Subd. 2. Non-domestic/farm animals. It is unlawful for any person to own, keep, possess, harbor or offer for sale any non-domestic or farm animals within the city limits. Any owner of such an animal on the effective date of this section shall have 30 days in which to remove the animal from the city.
Subd. 3. Exception.
A. Farm animals kept in that portion of the city zoned for agricultural purposes;
B. Animals kept as part of a show licensed under the City Code;
C. Animals used in a parade for which a permit has been issued under the City Code;
D. Animals kept in a laboratory for scientific or experimental purposes;
E. Animals kept in an animal hospital or clinic for treatment by a licensed veterinarian;
F. Animals kept in a state-accredited educational facility or school for educational purposes;
G. Mice, rabbits and white rats, so long as any of the animals are capable of being maintained continuously in cage, and further provided that no person shall keep or harbor more than three of any one kind of these animals;
H. Non-domestic animals in commercial retail pet stores; or
I. Meat processing facilities licensed to do the processing and properly zoned for the use.
Subd. 4. Bees. No person or persons shall keep or allow to be kept any hive or other facility for the housing of bees within the city limits.
Subd. 5. Animals in transit. It is unlawful for any person to transport animals unless they are:
A. Confined within a vehicle, cage or other means of conveyance;
B. Farm animals being transported in a portion of the city zoned for agricultural purposes; or
C. Restrained by means of bridles, halters, ropes or other means of individual restraint.
Subd. 6. Treatment. It is unlawful for any person to treat an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner.
Subd. 7. Housing. It is unlawful for any person to keep more than three of any one kind of domestic animal unless continuously confined within the property owner’s dwelling and within a cage or aquarium. This provision allowing more than three of any one kind of domestic animal, if confined within the dwelling, does not apply to cats or dogs. It is also unlawful for any person to keep any animal in any structure infested by rodents, vermin, flies or insects.
Subd. 8. Trespasses. It is unlawful for any person to herd, drive or ride any animal over and upon any grass, turf, boulevard, city park, cemetery, garden or lot without specific permission therefor from the owner or as otherwise regulated by the City Code.
(Ord. 424, Second Series, passed 1-5-99) (`80 Code, § 10.11) Penalty, see § 1.99