§ 4-5. Exotic animals prohibited.
(a)
No person shall own, possess, sell or keep an exotic animal as a "pet" in the city limits of the City of Walker. Exotic animals are defined exotic by USDA, not for sale in retail pet stores in the United States of America, as well as including any animals that would create a public health concern for the city; subject to described enclosed exception.
(b)
The following individuals may be exempted from this section after applying for and receiving a permit from the city to possess a nonhuman primate. The permit will be for one year and must be renewed annually under the following conditions:
(1)
A physically challenged individual who has exclusive possession of no more than one (1) nonhuman primate that is working to aid and assist said individual with his/her disability and where the nonhuman primate has been obtained through and trained by a licensed and accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of lives for physically challenged.
(2)
An individual who legally possesses one or more exotic animal prior to the effective date of April 10, 2005 and who can prove legal ownership of such is authorized to keep those animal(s) but is prohibited from acquiring any additional animal(s) by any means whatsoever, including breeding.
(3)
The individuals listed in this subsection must annually apply for and receive a permit from the city. The permit application shall include:
a.
The name, address, telephone number, and date of birth of applicant.
b.
A description of each exotic animal the applicant possesses, including the scientific name, sex, age, color, weight, and any distinguishing marks.
c.
A photograph of each exotic animal and its permanent enclosure (enclosure must be inspected by the city animal control director to ensure it is adequate).
d.
The physical location/address where the exotic animal is to be kept.
e.
Proof of legal ownership. (Proof of legal ownership includes original purchase documents, veterinary records, or other documentation, acceptable to the city, demonstrating ownership.)
f.
The microchip or tattoo number of each exotic animal.
g.
A health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian in the State of Louisiana within one (1) year prior to the date of the application. The application must state the animal is free of all symptoms of contagious and/or infectious diseases at the time of the examination and that all appropriate tests and preventative measures have been performed as deemed necessary by veterinarian.
h.
Proof of homeowner's liability insurance covering damages due to the possession of the exotic animal.
(4)
Permit holders must house their nonhuman primates in such a manner as to prevent public contact and are prohibited from transporting their nonhuman primate to any public building or place where the public may come into contact with the nonhuman primate, including, but not limited to schools, hospitals, or malls.
(5)
Permit holders must have their nonhuman primates examined annually by a licensed veterinarian to insure that the animal is free of all symptoms of contagious and/or infectious diseases at the time of examination and all appropriate tests and preventative measures have been performed as deemed necessary by the veterinarian.
(6)
Permit holders are required to provide safe means to recapture any escaped nonhuman primates and subsequently report any escapes to City of Walker Animal Control within twenty-four (24) hours.
(7)
Permit holders are required to submit any changes to the permit information provided in the permit application within thirty (30) days of the date those changes take effect or the permit will be considered invalid.
(8)
Any nonhuman primate that escapes its primary enclosure and bites or scratches a human being will be subject to confiscation by appropriate authorities pending determination as to its final disposition.
(c)
Any individual failing to comply with any provisions of this chapter is subject to immediate confiscation and possible termination of exotic animal(s) and upon conviction shall be punished in accordance with section 1-8 of this Code.
(d)
Permit fee will be established yearly by the mayor of the city and shall be sufficient to recover associated cost of permitting process.
(Ord. No. 03-2014-01, 3-10-14)