(A) Wild and dangerous animals.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to possess or harbor a wild and dangerous animal or their hybrids.
(2) Wild and dangerous animals privately owned and maintained within the city limits on or before 2021 may remain in the city, but such wild and dangerous animals must be registered with Town Hall and the Animal Control section of the Randolph County Health Department. Furthermore, at the time of registration, owners must submit a recapture plan in the event their animal escapes. Breeding or allowing the reproduction of wild and dangerous animals is prohibited.
(3) Escapes of wild and dangerous animals must be immediately reported to 911 emergency communications.
(4) Owners are liable for costs to agencies associated with the recapture of an escaped wild and dangerous animal.
(5) In order for the owner of a wild and dangerous animal registered in compliance with division (2) of this division (A) to lawfully house such an animal within the city, strict compliance must be maintained at all times with the following requirements:
(a) The enclosure housing the animal must securely contain the animal, including secondary containment from escape;
(b) The enclosure housing the animal must be adequately ventilated, cooled, heated, lighted, and constructed so that it may be kept in a clean and sanitary condition;
(c) The enclosure housing the animal must be compliant with the Liberty Zoning Ordinance;
(d) The physical and psychological health and well-being of the animal must not be endangered by the manner of confinement;
(e) The keeper/caregiver must have adequate knowledge of the nutritional, physical, and behavioral needs of the species in his or her care; and
(f) The owner/caregiver must be able to identify the veterinarian providing medical care for the animal.
(B) Exotic reptiles.
(1) Individuals must be greater than 18 years of age to own a venomous exotic reptile or an exotic reptile weighing in excess of 40 pounds.
(2) Owners are required to report to 911 emergency communications any escapes of venomous exotic reptiles and exotic reptiles weighing in excess of 40 pounds.
(3) It is unlawful for exotic reptiles to run loose unsupervised.
(4) Owners are required to register venomous exotic reptiles with Town Hall and the Animal Control section of the Randolph County Health Department which notifies 911 emergency communications of the location of venomous reptiles in order to protect rescue workers and the public during any emergency situations.
(5) Owners are liable for costs to agencies associated with the recapture of an escaped exotic reptile.
(C) Exotic mammals.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to possess, sell, or harbor an exotic mammal or their hybrids.
(2) Exotic mammals privately owned prior to any embargo or protection orders may remain in the city if so allowed by the order, but such animals must be registered with Town Hall and the Animal Control section of the Randolph County Health Department.
(3) Breeding or allowing the reproduction of exotic mammals is prohibited.
(1981 Code, § 10-9) (Ord. passed 2-26-2001; Am. Ord. passed 2021) Penalty, see § 96.99