(a) Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
(1) “Animal” means any live, vertebrate creature, domestic or wild.
(2) “Dangerous” means any wild mammal, reptile or fowl which is carnivorous and is not naturally tame or gentle, but is of a wild nature or disposition, and which, because of its size, vicious nature or other characteristics, would constitute a danger to human life or property if it is not kept or maintained in a safe manner or in secure quarters.
(3) “Domesticated” means any animal which is accepted by the general public as tamable and bred as a tamed animal for the purposes of man.
(4) “Exotic” means any animal which is foreign and generally not native by birth to the State.
(5) “Harbor” means to feed or shelter an animal, or to otherwise have possession or control of an animal, for three or more consecutive days.
(6) “Owner” means any person owning, keeping or harboring one or more animals.
(7) “Wild” means any animal which generally lives in its original natural state and habitat and is not normally domesticated.
(b) Prohibitions; Restrictions.
(1) No person shall own, harbor or otherwise have control of any wild or dangerous exotic animal in the City.
(2) Exceptions to division (b)(1) of this section are touring animal exhibitions, circuses, veterinarians (for the purpose of medical treatment), public schools and other educational facilities.
(3) Animals which may be owned or harbored are those animals native to the farm, such as horses, cattle, swine and poultry, provided that the place of harborage is zoned agricultural or farm use, and also domestic cats, domestic dogs, domestic rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchilla, mice, hamsters, gerbils, birds, nonpoisonous snakes and non-maneating fish.
(4) Persons who presently own or harbor a dangerous exotic or wild animal shall have not more than 120 days to conform to this section.
(c) Penalty. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
(Ord. 85-11. Passed 4-15-85.)