It is the intent of the City of Isanti to protect
the public against the health and safety risks that exotic animals
pose to the community and to protect the welfare of individual animals
that are held in private possession. By their very nature, exotic
animals are wild and potentially dangerous and, as such, do not adjust
well to a captive environment. The intent of this article is to use
the same statutory framework as Minn. Stat. § 346.155 (2005)
which governs some exotic animals.
As used in this article, the terms defined in
this section shall have the meanings ascribed to them:
COMPANION ANIMAL
Any animal that is commonly kept by persons as a pet or for
companionship. The definition of "companion animal" includes but is
not limited to domesticated dogs and domesticated cats.
EXOTIC ANIMAL
Any animal that is not normally domesticated in the United States or is wild by nature. Exotic animals include but are not limited to, any of the species, orders or families listed in §
87-21 below, whether bred in the wild or captivity, and also any of their hybrids with domestic species. The animals listed in §
87-21 below are intended to serve as examples and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list or limit the generality of each group of animals, unless otherwise specified.
At any and all times, the City shall have the
right to inspect the animal and where it is housed upon reasonable
notice. Any party who intentionally interferes with or obstructs the
inspection violates this article.
[Amended 7-20-2021 by Ord. No. 763]
To govern the seizure of prohibited animals,
this article hereby incorporates by reference Minn. Stat. § 346.155,
Subd. 5, except Subsection (f)(1) and (2). If the City establishes
by a preponderance of the evidence that the animal owner has violated
this article, the City may dispose of the animal and charge the animal's
owner with any costs related to the seizure. Further, the City shall
not be liable for any costs or damages related to the seizure of the
animal unless the court finds that the City acted in bad faith in
seizing the animal. To govern the disposition of sick exotic animals,
this article hereby incorporates by reference Minn. Stat. § 346.155,
Subd. 6.
[Amended 7-20-2021 by Ord. No. 763]
Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor which shall be punishable according to Chapter
1, Article
I. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.