(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the keeping of exotic pets and domesticated farm animals within the corporate limits of the city and create standards and requirements that ensure there is no threat to the public safety or the peaceable enjoyment of residents’ private property.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DOMESTIC FARM ANIMAL. Any horse, sheep mule, cow, goat, swine or offspring thereof or any other livestock generally raised.
EXOTIC PET. Any animal other than a domesticated farm animal or dog, weighing more than 50 pounds or any animal naturally inclined to be wild, fierce or dangerous.
(C) Running at large. It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any exotic pet or domesticated farm animal to run at large in any area within the boundaries of the municipality. Any such animal running at large in violation of this section shall be subject to seizure, detention and disposal.
(D) License and application. It shall be unlawful to keep and maintain any domestic farm animals or exotic pets in enclosed or fenced areas on private property with the prior consent and approval of the City Council. Any person desiring to maintain such animals on property owned or controlled by him or her within the city shall make application to the City Clerk for a license to do so. The City Clerk shall present such application at the next regular or special meeting the City Council and the City Council may permit the keeping of such animals upon such terms and conditions as it determines best.
(E) Existing ownership of exotic pets or domesticated farm animals. Any person owning or possessing an exotic pet or domesticated farm animal at the time of enactment of this section may, pending the approval of the Board of Health, obtain a permit said animal; provided that:
(1) A permit application is filed with the City Clerk within 30 days of the effective date of this section. Such application is to include:
(a) Species, age and sex or said exotic pet or domesticated farm animal; and
(b) A plan for the housing and containment of said pet or animal.
(2) The plan and facilities for the housing and containment of the exotic pet or domesticated farm animal must be reviewed, inspected and approved by the Board of Health as adequate to prevent the animal from escaping.
(3) An annual permit fee in the amount of $10 for each exotic pet or domesticated farm animal shall be paid by the owner or possessor of such animal to the city.
(Ord. 16-3, passed 11-1-2016) Penalty, see § 90.99