A. All wild animals (Class 2), as defined in section 6.04.010, are forbidden to be kept, owned, harbored, boarded, sold or let for hire within the city, except as provided by division B, of this section.
B. The City Board of Public Works and Safety may grant a temporary variance to subsection A to those, owners, commercial animal establishments or sponsors who make formal written requests for an exhibition of wild animals (Class 2) to be held within the city limits.
C. A written formal request must be presented to Animal Care Services, not less than fourteen days prior to the starting date of the exhibition. The request must include but is not limited to: the legal name, address, telephone number; the type and number of wild animals (Class 2) in the exhibit; the time, date(s) and location of the exhibit. Upon receipt of the request for the variance, Animal Care Services will make initial investigation as to the information contained on the request and verify any permit(s) or license(s) required. An Animal Care Services Manager will then present the variance request with any recommendation to the Board of Public Works and Safety for the city at its next regularly scheduled meeting for its decision and action upon request. The applicant is entitled to be notified of said meeting and to be present to present evidence on its behalf. Upon the decision of the board, an Animal Care Services Manager will notify the applicant and/or sponsor of the board's decision. The Board of Public Works and Safety and/or the city attorney's office reserves the right to attach any additional requirements to the exhibit deemed reasonable and to void any variance found in violation of this chapter or harmful to the public.
D. The City Board of Public Works and Safety may issue a general variance for up to one year for this section to those individuals or firms that have shown: they have received prior approval by the Board of Public Works and Safety for a similar variance and that an approved program was conducted without incident; they have the type of animal; requests do not vary significantly from the original request; and they have complied with and adhered to any and all applicable laws and regulations and requests of Animal Care Services. Class 2 animals are not to be handled by the public.
E. The city and its agents may not be held liable for any damages caused by such exhibit permitted hereunder.
(Ord. 48-2019, 2019; Ord. 32-2019 § 1, 2019; Ord. 13-2012 § 5, 2012; Ord. 08-17 § 1 (part), 2008; Prior code § 4-41)