(A) The term dangerous wild animal means any:
(1) Poisonous reptile;
(2) Any animal of the crocodilian order;
(3) Lion;
(4) Tiger;
(5) Ocelot;
(6) Cougar;
(7) Leopard;
(8) Cheetah;
(9) Jaguar;
(10) Bobcat;
(11) Lynx;
(12) Serval;
(13) Caracal;
(14) Hyena;
(15) Bear;
(16) Coyote;
(17) Jackal;
(18) Nonhuman primate;
(19) Wolf;
(20) Fox;
(21) Camel;
(22) Raccoon;
(23) Skunk;
(24) Bat; and
(25) Any hybrid of an animal listed herein.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to import, offer for sale or trade, keep, or harbor in the city any dangerous wild animal as defined herein.
(C) This section does not apply to:
(1) A county, municipality, or agency of the state or an agency of the United States or an agent or official of a county, municipality, or agency acting in an official capacity;
(2) An organization that is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association;
(3) An injured, infirm, orphaned, or abandoned dangerous wild animal while being transported for care or treatment;
(4) An injured, infirm, orphaned, or abandoned dangerous wild animal while being rehabilitated, treated, or cared for by a licensed veterinarian, an incorporated humane society or animal shelter, or a person who holds a rehabilitation permit issued under Tex. Parks and Wildlife Code, §§ 42.021 et seq. for the species of animal being rehabilitated;
(5) A dangerous wild animal owned by and in the custody and control of a transient circus company if:
(a) The animal is used as an integral part of the circus performances; and
(b) The animal is kept within this city only during the time the circus is performing in this city;
(6) A dangerous wild animal while in the temporary custody or control of a television or motion picture production company during the filming of a television or motion picture production in this city;
(7) A dangerous wild animal owned by and in the possession, custody, or control of a college or university solely as a mascot for the college or university; and
(8) A dangerous wild animal while being transported in interstate commerce through the state in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, 7 USC 2131 et seq. and its subsequent amendments and the regulations adopted under that Act.
(Ord. 2002-1, passed 2-19-02; Am. Ord. 2017-1, passed 1-17-17; Am. Ord. 2017-21, passed 12-19-17; Am. Ord. 2024-5, passed 2-20-24)
Statutory reference:
Dangerous wild animals, see Tex. Health and Safety Code, §§ 822.001 et seq. (Subchapter E)