It shall be unlawful for any person to have a right of property in, keep, harbor, care for, act as custodian of, or maintain in his or her possession any dangerous animal, except within a federal or state licensed and properly maintained zoological park, circus, exhibit, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or clinic, or humane society or shelter, in an escape-proof enclosure. It shall be no violation of this section that the violator has attempted to domesticate the dangerous animal. Any dangerous animal found not in compliance with this section shall be immediately seized and placed in an approved facility. If there appears to be imminent danger to the public by the dangerous animal, it shall be terminated by any safe means. The owner or keeper of any dangerous animal not in compliance with this section shall be held liable for any personal injury or property damage and responsible for any costs connected to the seizure, confiscation or termination and disposal of the animal as well as all fees or fines levied against the violator.
(1986 Code, § 6.20.050) (Ord. 1514, passed - -1999) Penalty, see § 90.999