(A) The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to the keeping of dangerous animals in the following cases:
(1) The keeping of such animals in zoos, bona fide educational or medical institutions, museums or any other place where they are kept as live specimens for the public to 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;
(3) The keeping of such animals in a bona fide licensed veterinary hospital for treatment; and
(4) Dangerous or poisonous reptiles may be maintained by bona fide educational or medical institutions for the purpose of instruction or study; provided, such reptiles are securely confined and are properly cared for in a manner set as satisfactory to the city’s Public Health Officer or, alternatively, the county’s Public Health Officer.
(B) (1) The City Council may issue a special permit for the keeping of such animals.
(2) Any permit so authorized must be renewed annually and may be issued or renewed upon written recommendation for approval by the city’s Public Health Officer and Chief of Police or his or her designee.
(3) Such permit may provide for the keeping of no more than two such animals and requires payment of a $25 permit fee per animal.
(2012 Code, § 10-77)