618.17 WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMALS.

   (a)   Prohibition.  No person shall shelter, exhibit, market, raise, harbor, breed, maintain or have in his or her possession or under his or her control within the City any exotic animal.

   (b)   Definitions.  As used in this section:

      (1)   “Dangerous or exotic animal” means and includes any wild mammal, reptile or fowl which is not naturally tame or gentle, but is of a wild nature or disposition, and which, because of its size, vicious nature or other characteristics, would constitute a danger to human life or property.

      (2)   “Animal” means a live and vertebrate creature, fowl or reptile.

      (3)   “Harbor” means to feed or shelter an animal.

      (4)   “Wild” means an animal which generally lives in its original and natural state and is not normally domesticated.

      (5)   “Market” means to buy, sell or otherwise deal in a wild or exotic animal, either wholesale or retail.

   (c)   Types.  Dangerous or exotic animals include, but are not limited to:

      (1)   Any poisonous animals, fish, reptiles or insects;

      (2)   Alligators;

      (3)   Apes, chimpanzees, gibbons, gorillas, orangutans and siamangs;

      (4)   Baboons;

      (5)   Bears;

      (6)   Bisons;

      (7)   Bobcats;

      (8)   Cheetahs;

      (9)   Crocodilian;

      (10)   Constriction snakes;

      (11)   Coyotes;

      (12)   Deer;

      (13)   Elephants;

      (14)   Foxes;

      (15)   Game cocks and other fighting birds;

      (16)   Hippopotami;

      (17)   Hyenas;

      (18)   Jaguars;

      (19)   Leopards;

      (20)   Lions;

      (21)   Lynxes;

      (22)   Ostriches;

      (23)   Piranha fish;

      (24)   Pumas, also known as cougars, mountain lions and panthers;

      (25)   Rhinoceroses;

      (26)   Sharks;

      (27)   Poisonous spiders;

      (28)   Snow leopards;

      (29)   Tigers; and

      (30)   Wolves.

   (d)   Exceptions.  This section does not apply to:

      (1)   Any person while transporting any animal, fish, fowl or reptile through the City, provided that such animal, fish, fowl or reptile is adequately restrained to avoid injury to persons or damage to property;

      (2)   The keeping of such animals in a bona fide licensed veterinary hospital for treatment;

      (3)   The keeping of such animals in a bona fide educational or medical institution, museum or other place where they are kept as live specimens for public view or for the purpose of instruction or study;

      (4)   Dangerous or poisonous reptiles maintained by bona fide educational or medical institutions for the purpose of instruction or study, provided such reptiles are securely confined; or

      (5)   Any official police canine dog.

   (e)   Penalty.  Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues. Punishment shall be as provided in Section 698.02 .

(Ord. 2268. Passed 7-9-90.)