(A) Purpose. This section is adopted for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city.
(B) Definition. For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
EXOTIC ANIMAL. Includes any animal, not of the traditional domesticated species, which is inherently dangerous and presents a potential risk to the public.
(C) Running at large prohibited.
(1) It is unlawful for the owner of any exotic animal to permit such animal to run at large.
(2) Any animal shall be deemed to be running at large with the permission of the owner, unless it is effectively confined within a motor vehicle, building, or enclosure.
(D) Permit required. It is unlawful for any person to keep, shelter, or harbor any exotic animal without a permit therefor from the city.
(E) Permit term and fees. All permits shall be issued for a term of two years and the fee for such permits shall be fixed and determined by the Council, adopted by resolution, and uniformly enforced. Such fee may from time to time be amended by the Council by resolution.
(F) Conditions of permit. No permit for the keeping of exotic animals shall be issued until the applicant has met the following criteria for the keeping and housing of exotic animals:
(1) A plan is approved by the Council which establishes the nature and size of the cage or enclosure to house the animal considering the animal’s size, weight, strength, and relative danger to the public; specifying all protective devices to be maintained to restrain the animal and discourage tampering by humans and other animals; providing for suitable exercise facilities; and an emergency response plan to be on file with the city;
(2) Erection and maintenance of suitable fencing for the protection of adjoining property owners and the general public;
(3) Providing suitable sanitation controls so as not to create a public or private nuisance; or
(4) Proof of insurance for medical expense and liability.
(G) Inspection.
(1) Prior to the issuance of the permit, the city shall require an inspection be made to determine that the facilities are suitable for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
(2) Such inspection shall be made by a person approved by the city and the cost of such inspection shall be borne by the applicant.
(H) Suspension or revocation of permit.
(1) The Council may, for any violation or other reasonable cause:
(a) Refuse to grant any renewal application;
(b) Suspend for a period of 60 days; or
(c) Revoke any permit issued under this section.
(2) (a) Such action shall be made only upon a finding that the permittee has failed to comply with the provisions of this section. The Council shall take such immediate action as it deems necessary for the public protection to remedy any potentially dangerous situation.
(b) The owner of such animal shall be responsible for any expense incurred as the result of such action. Before revocation of any permit, the Council shall give notice to the permittee and grant such permittee opportunity to be heard.
(c) The permittee shall have 30 days following a revocation hearing to correct any violations of this section found to be the basis for revocation, during which time period the revocation shall be suspended.
(2006 Code, § 10.29) (Ord. 128, 3rd Series, passed 6-5-1998) Penalty, see § 130.99