(A) No owner shall keep or permit to be kept on his or her premises or premises under his or her control any wild or vicious animal for sale, display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions or circuses.
(B) No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild animal as a pet unless that person has obtained a wild animal permit.
(1) A wild animal permit may be issued by the City Council, following a public hearing, for a one-year period. Written notice of the date and time of the hearing shall be given to property owners within 200 feet of the applicant’s property. The application fee for the permit shall be $100.
(2) Animals and conditions shall be approved by the City Council and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Animal and Wildlife Protection Division. The conditions shall be listed on the permit so issued.
(3) The animal shall be restrained from inflicting injury upon persons, property or other animals. Adequate provisions shall be made for the care and protection of the animal.
(4) The City Manager may revoke a permit if the permit holder fails to:
(a) Properly restrain the animal;
(b) Adequately care for or protect the animal; or
(c) Meet all requirements specified on the wild animal permit.
(C) The Department of Public Safety may issue temporary approval for the keeping, care and protection of an injured, newborn or immature animal native to this area which it deems to be incapable of caring for itself.
(D) The Department of Public Safety shall have the power to release or order released any animal being kept temporarily under the provisions of division (C) above.
(2005 Code, § 9-2-15) Penalty, see § 10.99