(A) No person shall keep in captivity within the city any wild animals or birds. Provided, the following persons are exempt from this section:
(1) Any city, state, or federal zoo, park, refuge, or wildlife area;
(2) Any bonafide circus or animal exhibit displayed to the public on a temporary basis;
(3) A person possessing or having custody of a sick or injured wild animal or bird solely for the purpose of transporting the animal to a licensed veterinarian for care, or to an animal shelter, or to a zoo, or to a state, federal, or local government official with the authority to handle the animal or bird;
(4) Licensed veterinarians and incorporated animal or bird shelters caring for injured or sick wild animals or birds supplying emergency temporary shelter and care;
(5) Any “research facility” within the meaning of Section 2(e) of the Federal Animal Welfare Act, being 7 U.S.C. § 2132(e), or any amendment or successor provision, licensed by the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to that Act;
(6) The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and any agent or official of that Department acting in his or her official capacity;
(7) Any agency or official of the United States government acting in his or her official capacity;
(8) State colleges and universities or any other agency of the state working with wildlife;
(9) A wildlife rehabilitator who holds state and federal permits; or
(10) Any person legally holding in captivity any wild bird or animal within the city as of the effective date of this chapter.
(B) Any wild animal or bird found within the city limits in violation of this section is hereby declared a nuisance and may be impounded.
(C) Violation of this section is a Class I violation.
(Ord. 3184, passed - -1991)