[Ord. No. 1834 §I, 6-26-2002]
It is the intent of the Richmond City Council to protect the
public against hazards that wild and exotic animals used in entertainment
pose to society and to protect wild and exotic animals from cruel
and inhumane treatment.
[Ord. No. 1834 §II, 6-26-2002]
For the purpose of this Article only, the following words and
terms shall be deemed to mean and to be construed as follows:
DISPLAY
To undertake any exhibition, act, circus, ride, trade show,
carnival, parade, race, photographic opportunity, performance or similar
undertaking in which animals are required to perform tricks, fight
or participate as accompaniments in performances for the amusement
or benefit of an audience. "Display" shall not include
the use or exhibition of animals for animal-related educational purposes
by non-profit groups or institutions or individuals. "Displayed" means to be the subject thereof.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL
Any animal that is livestock, a companion animal or both.
1.
LIVESTOCKAny animal commonly used by persons for use, draft or pleasure purposes. The definition of "livestock" includes, but is not limited to:
2.
COMPANION ANIMALAny animal that is commonly kept by persons as a pet or for companionship. The definition of "companion animal" includes, but is not limited to:
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Teaching and instructing with the intent and effect of imparting
knowledge to others through oral presentations and written handouts.
EXHIBITION
A public showing, presenting to view, a public display, an
exposition, or a large fair of extended duration.
PERSON
Any individual, establishment, firm, association, organization,
partnership, trust, corporation or company.
WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMAL
Any or all of the following orders and families, whether
bred in the wild or in captivity, and also any or all of the hybrids
with domestic species. The animals listed in parentheses are intended
to act as examples and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list
or limit the generality of each group of animals, unless otherwise
specified:
3.
Non-human primates and prosimians (chimpanzees, monkeys).
4.
Felidae (except domesticated cats).
5.
Canidae (except domesticated dogs).
6.
Cetaccea (whales, dolphins, porpoises).
7.
Crocodilia (alligators, crocodiles).
8.
Marsupialia (kangaroos, opossums).
9.
Reptilia over eight (8) feet in length and snakes and reptiles
of venomous variety.
10.
Perissodactyla (rhinoceroses, tapirs, not horses or donkeys
or mules).
11.
Artiodactyla (hippopotamuses, giraffes, camels, not cattle or
swine or sheep or goats).
13.
Mustelidae (skunks, weasels, otters, badgers).
14.
Procyonidae (raccoons, coatis).
15.
Edentata (anteaters, sloths, armadillos).
16.
Viverridae (mongooses, civets and genets).
17.
Pinnipedia (seals, sea lions, walruses).
18.
Struthioniformes (ostriches).
[Ord. No. 1834 §III, 6-26-2002]
It shall be unlawful for any person to display or sponsor a
display of wild or exotic animals on any public or private land within
the City of Richmond.
[Ord. No. 1834 §IV, 6-26-2002]
Police Officers and the City's Animal Control Officer shall
have the power and authority to enforce the provisions of this Article
and perform all duties imposed by the provisions of this Article.
[Ord. No. 1834 §V, 6-26-2002]
Any person who displays or sponsors a display of wild or exotic
animals shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not
more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the
City or County Jail for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or
by both such fine and imprisonment.
[Ord. No. 1834 §VI, 6-26-2002]
A. The
following are exempt from the provisions of this Article:
1. Institutions accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.
2. Veterinarians in the ordinary course of a veterinarian's practice
of business.
3. Institutions accredited by the Association of Sanctuaries and the
American Sanctuary Association.