It is unlawful for any person to own or keep a dangerous animal without a permit. Unless prohibited by land use or other ordinances or laws, any person, over the age of eighteen (18) years of age, may obtain a dangerous animal permit upon complying with applicable zoning requirements and:
A. Demonstrating sufficient knowledge of the species so as to be an expert in the care and control of the species;
B. Presenting proof of adequate primary caging appropriate for the species and a sufficient secondary system of confinement so as to prevent unauthorized access to the animal and to prevent the animal's escape;
C. Presenting proof that adequate measures have been taken to prevent the animal from becoming a threat to the health and safety of the community;
D. Presenting a plan of action in the event of the animal's escape. The director may consult with a review board comprising federal, state and local public health authorities in considering a request for a dangerous animal permit;
E. Presenting proof of required, if any, state or federal permits; and
F. Presenting proof of liability insurance in an amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00), which policy shall name the city as an additional insured and shall not be subject to cancellation or other material modifications without at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the city.
For the purpose of this section, to demonstrate "sufficient knowledge" of a species, a person must show that he/she has specialized knowledge of a species to provide for its basic needs to maintain the animal's health, welfare and confinement. The director may consider the person's experience, education, apprenticeship or by examination administered by the director when determining that a person has sufficient knowledge of a species. (Ord. 2012-16, 6-21-2012)