The purpose of this chapter is to establish requirements for keeping wild animals when wild animals are approved by the city.
A. 
The requirements of this chapter are in addition to, and do not limit, the requirements of any applicable zoning laws or ordinances.
B. 
A license issued under the provisions of this chapter does not permit the harboring or keeping of wild animals if it violates city zoning laws or ordinances.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
No person shall have, keep, or maintain any wild animal unless all adequate provisions are made for the confinement and control to ensure the maintenance of public peace, health, and safety pursuant to Section 17.28.030 of this code, and as it may be amended.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
Every person who owns, harbors, or keeps any wild animal shall obtain a current wild animal license issued under the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
A. 
No wild animal license may be issued unless the applicant first receives written confirmation from the city that such license is consistent with all city, state, and federal requirements for keeping wild animals.
B. 
The wild animal license required by this chapter may be obtained by making written application to the shelter director, demonstrating to the satisfaction of the shelter director that the applicant will comply with Section 6.24.020 of this chapter and the regulations adopted pursuant to Section 6.24.080 of this chapter, and paying the proper fees to the city or its agent. Such application shall describe the animal to the satisfaction of the shelter director and shall include the address and, where available, the telephone number of the applicant.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
The fees for the wild animal license required by this chapter shall be as prescribed by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
The license period for any wild animal license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be one year, beginning January 1st and ending December 31st. A wild animal license fee is not discounted or prorated for a partial term unless the governing resolution of the city council allows for a discounted or prorated fee for a partial year in its approved fee structure. The wild animal license expires and ceases to be current at the end of the year for which it was issued. Renewal of a wild animal license may be made only after an application is completed and the fee required for the issuance of an original wild animal license is paid.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
A. 
Any wild animal license issued under the provisions of this chapter may be revoked by the shelter director or the official designated by the city whenever, in their opinion, any of the following conditions pertain:
1. 
The animal is not kept or maintained in a sanitary or healthful condition;
2. 
The animal is not provided with adequate care and supervision;
3. 
The animal poses a threat to human life or safety;
4. 
The animal poses a threat to personal property;
5. 
The animal has in any way become a nuisance; or
6. 
There is a violation of the regulations adopted pursuant to Section 6.24.080 of this chapter.
B. 
The revocation shall become effective immediately upon either the receipt of actual notice by the applicant or the end of the tenth (10th) day after written notice addressed to the applicant at the address shown on his or her application is deposited in the first class mail, return receipt requested, whichever shall first occur.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
A. 
The city or its authorized agent may require adherence to rules and regulations for the United States Department of Agriculture and/or California Department of Fish and Wildlife or make rules regulating the size and type of cage or other means of confinement, the distance from the place of confinement to adjoining property, and any other regulations deemed reasonably necessary by the animal regulation department or the city to carry out the purpose of this chapter and to ensure the maintenance of humane, sanitary conditions and the safety of persons and property.
B. 
A copy of any/all rules and regulations adopted by the animal regulation department or the city shall be furnished upon request.
C. 
In applying the regulations to a given situation, the animal regulation department or the city shall take into consideration the type, nature, disposition, and training of the animal involved.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
Any person keeping or maintaining a wild animal that escapes from its confinement shall immediately notify the city and the county animal regulation department of such escape.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
A. 
Wild animals found running loose may be impounded in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6.12 of this title. However, neither the city, its officers, agents or employees, or any person carrying out impoundment by contract, shall be liable for injury or disease to any animal incurred while such animal is being captured, transported or impounded.
B. 
Wild animals, when found to be at large and injuring, damaging, or threatening to injure or damage any person or property, are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily destroyed without liability resulting to the city, its officers, agents, or employees.
C. 
Reclamation by an owner or keeper of any impounded wild animal is permitted when the city and the shelter director receive payment of all costs incurred in the capture, impounding, and care of the wild animal, provided that all required county, state and federal permits are also obtained.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)
No person, organization, society, association, or corporation may import or release into the city any wild animal, whether indigenous to Ventura County or not, without a permit from the city or its agent. The animal released shall be identified by an indelible number tattooed on the animal, and the person, organization, society, association, or corporation shall be responsible for damage inflicted by the animal.
(Ord. 504 § 2, 2022)