(A) Dangerous animals prohibited. No person shall keep, shelter, or harbor for any purpose within the city limits a dangerous animal.
(B) Definition. A DANGEROUS ANIMAL is:
(1) Any animal which is not naturally tame or gentle, and which is of a wild nature or disposition, and which is capable of killing, inflicting serious injury upon, or causing disease among human beings or domestic animals, and having known tendencies as a species to do so.
(2) The following are animals which shall be deemed to be dangerous animals per se:
(a) Lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, lynx, and bobcats;
(b) Wolves, coyotes, and foxes;
(c) Badgers, wolverines, weasels, skunks, and mink;
(d) Raccoons;
(e) Bears;
(f) Monkeys, chimpanzees, and apes;
(g) Alligators and crocodiles;
(h) Scorpions, and gila monsters;
(i) Snakes that are venomous or constrictors; and
(j) Any animals declared to be dangerous by the City Council.
(C) Dangerous animals exceptions. The keeping of dangerous animals shall not be prohibited in the following circumstances: The keeping of dangerous animals in a public zoo, bona fide educational or medical institution, humane society, or museum where they are kept as live specimens for the public to view, or for the purpose of instruction, research, or study, and has obtained the written approval of the City Council.
(Prior Code, § 4-1-7) (Ord. 03-04, passed 9-9-2003; Ord. 2008-01, passed 1-22-2008)