(A) Applicability. The Christmas Parade, Band Festival, Festival in the Park, Summer Concert Series, sporting, recreational and cultural events held on or in city facilities, and city permitted demonstrations attract large numbers of spectators congested into a limited area for festivals and events that are of greater duration than other community events. The presence of animals at those parades, festivals and events poses some concern for the safety of both spectators and for the animals. In addition to the above-mentioned parades, festivals and demonstrations, sponsors of other events may request the City Manager or his or her authorized designee in writing to apply the provisions of this section to said events. The City Manager or his or her designee is authorized to approve such requests if he or she or his or her designee determines that the number of spectators, the size of the area, or that public safety or health would warrant the application of the provisions of this section.
(B) Unlawful to have animal at parades, festivals and demonstrations on public property or rights-of-way, summer concert series and all sporting, recreational and cultural events held on or in city facilities. It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any animal as defined in § 91.01 to take that animal, whether on a leash or not on a leash, onto public property or public rights-of-way or allow any animal to enter the boundaries or interior of any event identified in division (A) above. The boundaries and the interior consist of any area that is part of any above named event and shall include any public street, sidewalk, right-of-way or other publicly owned area.
(C) Failure to remove animal. It shall be unlawful for any person with an animal within the boundaries of these events identified in division (A) above to fail to obey the command of a law enforcement officer, Animal Control Officer or other authorized city official to remove such animal from the event when directed to do so.
(D) Exception. This section shall not apply to those animals that are part of the event or an authorized exhibit. The City Manager or his or her designee shall have the authority to specify the conditions for having such participating animals for the protection of the public or the well-being of the animals. This section shall not apply to assistance animals pursuant to G.S. § 168-4.2.
(1997 Code, § 91.12) (Ord. passed 1-26-1999; Ord. 2006-24, passed 6-13-2006) Penalty, see § 91.99