(a) For the purpose this section “dangerous animal” shall mean and include any mammal, amphibian, reptile, or fowl which is of a species which is wild by nature, or of a species, which, due to size, vicious nature, or other characteristic is dangerous to human beings. Such animals shall include, but not be limited to, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, apes, gorillas, monkeys, foxes, elephants, rhinoceroses, alligators, crocodiles, raccoons, deer, squirrels, groundhogs, opossum, turkey, all forms of venomous or poisonous reptiles or insects, and all animals for which a permit for ownership from the State of West Virginia is required.
(b) No person shall, own, possess, have custody of, keep or maintain any dangerous animal within the corporate limits of this City.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the keeping of dangerous animals in the following cases.
(1) The keeping of such animal in zoos, bona fide education or medical institutions, museums, or any other place where they are kept as live specimens for public view, or for the purpose of instruction or study.
(2) The keeping of such animals for exhibition to the public of such animals by circus, carnival or other exhibit or show.
(3) The keeping of such animals in a bona fide, licensed veterinary hospital for treatment.
(4) The keeping of such animals in an AAZPA accredited facility.
(d) Any person, corporation, or other entity found to have violated this section shall be liable to the City for a fine in the following amount(s):
(1) First Offense: $50.00
(2) Second Offense: $100.00
(3) Third or Greater Offense: $200.00
(e) For the purpose of this section, a separate offense shall be deemed to be committed on each day that a dangerous animal is owned, possessed, in the custody of, kept or maintained in the City in violation of this section.
(f) The City Court shall have jurisdiction to adjudicate violations of this section.
(g) The City Court shall further have the power to release or order the release of any dangerous animal, to order the destruction of any dangerous animal, and to take such other and further steps as are necessary to remove the animal from the City.
(Ord. 12-002. Passed 4-2-12.)