(A) As used in this section, DANGEROUS ANIMAL means and includes any mammal, amphibian, reptile or fowl which is of a species which is wild by nature, and of a species which, due to its size, vicious nature or other characteristic, is dangerous to human beings. Such animals include, but are not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, apes, gorillas, monkeys of a species whose average adult weight is twenty pounds or more, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, alligators, crocodiles and all forms of venomous, poisonous or constricting reptiles. DANGEROUS ANIMAL does not include gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice or rabbits.
(B) No person shall possess, keep or maintain a dangerous animal in the city.
(C) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the keeping of dangerous animals in the following cases:
(1) The keeping of such animals in zoos, bona fide education or medical institutions, museums or any other place where they are kept as live specimens for the public view or for the purpose of instruction or study;
(2) The keeping of such animals for exhibition to the public by a circus, carnival or other exhibit or show;
(3) The keeping of such animals in a bona fide, licensed veterinary hospital for treatment; or
(4) The keeping and offering for sale of such animals by a bona fide commercial pet shop establishment.
(D) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
(Ord. 107-1981, passed 7-13-1981)