No person may possess a venomous reptile, elephant, rhinoceros, skunk, raccoon, fox, coyote, bat, lion, tiger, ocelot, cougar, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, bobcat, lynx, serval, caracal, hyena, bear, jackal, lesser panda, binturong, non-human primate, wolf or any hybrid of these animals or any other dangerous animal which is or may be here after listed as a "high risk" animal in the Texas Rabies Control Act in V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code § 822.101 et seq.
(Ordinance 3235, § 1, adopted 4/22/2013)
No person may possess any individual species or subspecies of the following without a permit issued through the humane division; miniature pig not to exceed 120 pounds in weight and 20 inches in shoulder height shall be registered with the humane division and shall meet all requirements set out in subsection 14-255(2).
(Ordinance 3235, § 1, adopted 4/22/2013)
No person may possess any individual species or subspecies of any of the following animals without a permit issued through the humane division; nonvenomous reptiles shall be registered with the humane division and shall meet all requirements set out in subsection 14-255(2).
(Ordinance 3235, § 1, adopted 4/22/2013)
Any person who wishes to possess a restricted animal in the city limits must:
(1) 
Apply for said permit at the animal adoption and rescue center and provide the following information and documentation:
a. 
A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal is free from symptoms of infectious disease or is under treatment. A new health certificate is required each time the permit is renewed. Copy will remain with the humane division. Such certification shall include:
1. 
Certification that the animals been spayed or neutered.
2. 
List of types and dates of vaccinations—to include in the case of miniature pigs erysipelas, parvo virus and leptospirosis.
3. 
Recent description of animal giving the age, weight and height.
b. 
Copies of applicable state or federal permits or license as required by either of those entities for the keeping of the particular animal in question. These copies will be retained by the humane division.
c. 
Information relating to the owner including emergency telephone numbers and telephone numbers for their veterinarian in case of emergencies.
d. 
Present proof of liability insurance or financial responsibility in the amount of $100,000.00 to cover the damages resulting from an escape and/or attack by the animal to be permitted.
e. 
Owner has attended a course approved by the humane division in the care and maintenance of the animal in question and presents proof of satisfactory completion to the humane division.
(2) 
Before a permit is issued the humane division or as otherwise designated by the city manager shall inspect the facility where the animal is to be kept, which must meet the following criteria:
a. 
Each enclosure must provide adequate exercise area and sleeping quarters.
b. 
Proper temperature control and ventilation for the particular species must be provided in both areas.
c. 
Each enclosure must be kept locked and designed so that no one can enter or place appendages in the enclosure.
d. 
Each enclosure must be constructed so as to prevent the animal from escaping.
e. 
Each enclosure must be kept in good repair to prevent both escape and injury to the animal.
f. 
Each enclosure must have a water container which is secured so as to prevent its being overturned.
g. 
Each enclosure must be cleaned daily.
(3) 
There shall be a maximum of two miniature pigs on the property.
(4) 
Owners keeping permitted restricted animals shall maintain them as inside pets. Miniature pigs shall be permitted outside for brief periods in order to exercise or for the elimination of waste. This outside area shall be such as to restrict the miniature pig from escaping.
(5) 
If transported to the veterinarian, the animal must be kept in an escape proof cage previously approved by the humane division.
(6) 
Each animal must be provided with continuous clean water and must be fed a diet approved by a licensed veterinarian.
(7) 
Any animal which has bitten or scratched someone must be immediately surrendered to the humane division or as otherwise designated by the city manager for euthanasia and testing by the state department of health. A live test approved by the state department of health may be substituted for euthanasia.
(8) 
A fee for restricted animal permit shall charged and the permit shall expire one year from date of issuance and shall not be transferable.
(Ordinance 3235, § 1, adopted 4/22/2013)
Failure to comply with the permit requirements shall constitute a violation of this article and each day of noncompliance shall constitute a separate offense.
(Ordinance 3235, § 1, adopted 4/22/2013)
The article does not apply to:
(1) 
Zoological park accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.
(2) 
Federally-licensed research institutions.
(3) 
Any government agency or its employee who use the animals for an agency related to education, propagation, or behavior program.
(4) 
Anyone holding a valid rehabilitation permit pursuant to V.T.C.A., Parks and Wildlife Code § 43.011 et seq. but only for animals which are in rehabilitation and scheduled to be released to the wild.
(Ordinance 3235, § 1, adopted 4/22/2013)
Any person in possession or in control of a restricted animal as defined in this article at the time of passage of this chapter shall have 30 days from passage to obtain a permit required by this chapter. From and after said 30-day period, said person who fails to obtain a permit shall be in violation of this chapter.
(Ordinance 3235, § 1, adopted 4/22/2013)