No person shall have, keep, or maintain any wild animal or reptile
unless adequate provisions are made for its confinement and control
to insure the maintenance of the public peace, health, and safety.
(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord.
933, eff. September 23, 2022)
As used in this chapter, "wild animal" shall mean an animal
or reptile which is wild by nature and not customarily domesticated
in the City. This definition shall not include birds, small rodents,
or small nonpoisonous reptiles commonly used for educational or experimental
purposes or for pets.
(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord.
933, eff. September 23, 2022)
The Animal Control Department may make rules regulating the
size and type of a 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 Control Department
or the County Health Officer to carry out the purposes of this chapter
and to insure the maintenance of humane, sanitary conditions and the
safety of persons and property. A copy of the rules and regulations
shall be furnished by the Animal Control Department upon request.
In applying the regulations to a given situation, the Animal Control
Department shall take into consideration the type, nature, disposition,
and training of the animal involved.
(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord.
933, eff. September 23, 2022)
Any person keeping or maintaining a wild animal that escapes
from its confinement shall immediately notify the Animal Control Department
of such escape.
(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord.
933, eff. September 23, 2022)
Wild animals found running loose may be impounded in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter. However, neither the City or
County, nor their officers, agents, or employees, shall be liable
for any injury or disease to any animal incurred while such animal
is being captured, transported, or impounded. Wild animals, when found
to be at large and injuring or damaging, or threatening to injure
or damage, any person or property, shall be deemed to be a public
nuisance and may be summarily destroyed without liability resulting
to the City or County, or their officers, agents, or employees.
Reclamation by an owner or keeper of any impounded wild animal
shall be permitted upon the payment to the Animal Control Department
of the actual cost to the Department of the capture, impounding, and
care of such animal.
(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord.
933, eff. September 23, 2022)
No person, organization, society, association, or corporation
shall import or release into the City any wild animal, whether indigenous
to the County or not, without a permit from the Animal Control Department.
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 any damage inflicted by such
animal.
(§ 2, Ord. 422, eff. April 23, 1971, as amended by § 4, Ord.
933, eff. September 23, 2022)
