(a) As used in this section, “wild animal” means any living wild or potentially dangerous mammal, reptile, fowl or other vertebrate species which is not naturally tame or gentle, but is of a wild nature or disposition and not customarily domesticated, and which, because of its characteristics, may constitute a danger to human life or property if it escaped from secure quarters. A wild animal shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) All poisonous snakes
(2) Bears (Ursidae)
(3) Birds of prey, eagles, falcons, hawks, owls (Falconiformes)
(4) Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus)
(5) Coyotes and Coyote-dog hybrids (Canids)
(6) Elephants (Elephas and Loxodonts)
(7) Hyenas (Hyaenides)
(8) Jaguars (Panthera Onca)
(9) Leopards (Panthera Pardus)
(10) Lions (Panthera Leo)
(11) Lynxes (Lynx)
(12) Pumas, also known as cougars, mountain lions and panthers (Felis Concolor)
(13) Primates (non-human), apes, monkeys, baboons, chimpanzees, gibbons, gorillas, orangutans, siamangs
(14) Tigers (Panthera Tigris)
(15) Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids (Canis Lupus)
(16) Wild cats, ocelot, margay, servral, leopard cat.
(b) No person shall keep or maintain a wild animal, either inside or outside a structure, within the City, with the following exceptions:
(1) Temporary events such as a circus, sporting event or zoo exhibition where the animals or mascots are handled by trained, professional caretakers.
(2) Retail pet stores, with all proper licenses, located in a commercial zoning district.
(3) Any fish or similar aquatic vertebrates bred to remain in a confined body of water.
(4) Any domestic, non-farm animal, including, but not limited to, dogs, cats and ferrets.
(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for a second or subsequent offense. In addition, the court may order the wild animal transferred to an appropriate zoological or similar facility. If this is not practical, the court, as an alternative, may order the wild animal humanely destroyed by a qualified veterinarian.
(Ord. 5-95. Passed 3-20-95.)