(a) Prohibited Animals. No person may possess a venomous reptile, elephant, rhinoceros, lion, tiger, ocelot, cougar, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, hyena, bear, coyote, fox, bat, ape or monkey, wolf, opossum, raccoon, skunks or any hybrid of these animals or any other prehensile or carnivorous mammals, that exceeds thirty-five pounds, and is normally found in a circus or zoological garden. This section shall not be construed so as to apply to a theatrical exhibit or circus.
(b) Restricted Animals. No person shall possess any individual species or subspecies of any of the following animals without a permit issued by the Manager and the Licking County Animal Control Officer: exotic livestock, domesticated ferrets (Mustela Putorius Furo) or miniature pigs. Miniature pigs shall not exceed 100 pounds in weight. No more than two adult restricted animals that exceed thirty-five pounds each are permitted on any premises that contains less than one acre.
(c) Non-Venomous Reptiles. Such reptiles that exceed six feet in length and/or weigh more than twenty pounds shall be registered with the Manager or his designee and shall meet all requirements set out in subsection (d)(2) hereof.
(d) Permit Requirements for Restricted Animal Ownership. Any person who wishes to possess a restricted animal within the Johnstown Village limits must:
(1) Apply for said permit at the Village offices and provide the following information and documentation:
A. A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal is free from symptoms of infectious disease or is under treatment and has received the required applicable vaccination(s). A new health certificate is required each time the permit is renewed. A copy of said permit shall remain at the Village offices.
B. Copies of applicable State and Federal permits or licenses.
C. Information relating to the owner and veterinarian in case of emergencies.
D. The Manager and/or his designee must be notified of any change in locations which occurs for any restricted animal. This notice shall be filed at least fifteen days prior to such change.
(2) Before a permit is issued, or change of premises is allowed, the Manager and/or his designee shall inspect the facility where the animal is to be kept, which must meet the following criteria:
A. Each enclosure must provide adequate exercise area and sleeping quarters.
B. Each enclosure must be kept locked and designated so that no one can enter.
C. The enclosure must be constructed so as to prevent the animal from escaping.
D. Each enclosure must be kept clean and in good repair.
(3) Owners keeping permitted restricted animals or pets inside their residence are not required to provide for the requirements of subsections (d)(2) through (4). The animals must remain in the owner’s home or in a prescribed enclosure or on a leash, if outdoors, if no barrier is present.
(4) The owner of any animal listed under subsections (b) and (c) which has bitten or scratched someone must file a report with the Animal Control Officer of Licking County, Ohio, within twenty-four hours of the bite or scratch. The Animal Control Officer shall require the owner to produce satisfactory proof that such animal has been vaccinated with the required applicable vaccination(s). In the event that such animal is believed to have no applicable vaccine, the owner of such animal shall comply with any other applicable ordinance and/or statute.
(5) Fee for a restricted animal permit shall be ten dollars ($10.00) per animal that is more than six months of age and the permit shall expire one year from date of issuance and shall not be transferable with new ownership.
(e) Violation of Permit Requirements. Whoever violates or fails to comply with any provisions of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and shall be fined no more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). A separate offense shall be deemed committed for each day during which a violation or noncompliance occurs or continues.
(f) Exemptions.
(1) Zoological park accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.
(2) Federally licensed research institutions.
(3) Any government agency or its employee who uses the animals for an agency related to education, propagation or behavior program.
(4) The following animals are specifically excluded from this section: dogs, cats, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, white rats and mice, goldfish, tropical fish, rabbits, parakeets, canaries, parrots and other birds commonly available for purchase in area pet shops.
(Ord. 1996-08. Passed 4-2-96.)