§ 4-3. Wild or exotic animals.

(a)

A wild or exotic animal means any (i) live monkey (nonhuman primate), raccoon, skunk, wolf, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx or any other warm-blooded mammal, (ii) poisonous or venomous snake, (iii) tarantula, (iv) other poisonous or venomous animal normally found in the wild, or (v) any member of the crocodilian family including, but not limited to, alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gavials. Nonpoisonous or nonvenomous snakes, ferrets, rabbits, laboratory rats, gerbils, hamsters and other similar small mammals, and other domesticated animals which have been bred in captivity are not wild or exotic animals.

(b)

No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any wild or exotic animal as a pet, for display, or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This prohibition shall not apply to performing animal exhibitions, circuses, veterinary clinics, or indoor/outdoor recreational facilities which have proper zoning and licenses from the government; provided however, that no person shall exhibit or display any wild or exotic animal in a manner so that persons other than their handlers can pet, fondle or come in direct physical contact with them.

(c)

The owner of any wild or exotic animal as defined in subsection (a), found to be running, roaming, or otherwise at large off of the owner's property shall reimburse the county for its actual costs incurred, including without limitation the actual cost of the time expended by the animal warden, deputy animal warden or other county personnel, in locating and capturing or otherwise disposing of the animal.

(d)

Nature centers, refuges or parks owned or operated by the federal, state or local government are exempt from this section.

(Code 1978, § 5.1-2; Ord. of 11-23-99, § 1; Ord. of 10-23-19(1), § 1)

(Code 1978, § 5.1-2; Ord. of 11-23-99, § 1; Ord. of 10-23-19(1), § 1)