(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep, maintain or have in their possession or under their control within the city any poisonous reptile or any other dangerous wild animal or reptile, any vicious or dangerous animal, or any other animal or reptile of wild, vicious or dangerous propensities.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or have in their possession or under their control within the city any of the following animals:
(1) All poisonous animals including rear-fang snakes;
(2) Apes: chimpanzees; gibbons; gorillas; orangutans; and siamangs;
(3) Baboons;
(4) Badgers;
(5) Bears;
(6) Bison;
(7) Bobcats;
(8) Cheetahs;
(9) Crocodilians, 30 inches in length or more;
(10) Constrictor snakes, six feet in length or more;
(11) Coyotes;
(12) Deer; includes all members of the deer family, for example, white-tailed deer, elk, antelope and moose;
(13) Elephants;
(14) Game cocks and other fighting birds;
(15) Hippopotami;
(16) Hyenas;
(17) Jaguars;
(18) Leopards;
(19) Lions;
(20) Lynxes;
(21) Monkeys;
(22) Ostriches;
(23) Pumas; also known as cougars, mountain lions and panthers;
(24) Raccoons;
(25) Rhinoceroses;
(26) Skunks;
(27) Tigers; and
(28) Wolves.
(c) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to bona fide pet shops, zoos, circuses, carnivals, educational institutions or medical institutions, if:
(1) Their location conforms to the provisions of the zoning ordinance of the city;
(2) All animals and animal quarters are kept in a clean and sanitary condition and so maintained as to eliminate objectionable odors; and
(3) Animals are maintained in quarters so constructed as to prevent their escape.
(d) The Municipal Judge shall have the authority to order any animal deemed vicious confined, destroyed or removed from the city.
(a) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1) Fancy Pigeon. A pigeon which, through past breeding, has developed certain distinctive physical and performing characteristics as to be clearly identified and accepted as such by the National Pigeon Association, the American Pigeon Club or the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club. Examples: Fantails; Pouters; Trumpeters.
(2) Loft. The structure(s) for the keeping or housing of pigeons permitted by this section.
(3) Mature Pigeon. A pigeon aged six months or older.
(4) Owner. The owner of pigeons subject to this section.
(5) Pigeon. A member of the family Columbidae, and shall include “racing pigeons”, “fancy pigeons” and “sporting pigeons”, as defined in this section.
(6) Racing Pigeon. A pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the distinctive physical and mental characteristics as to enable it to return to its home after having been released a considerable distance therefrom, and which is accepted as such by the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. or the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers; also commonly known as Racing Homer, Homing Pigeon or Carrier Pigeon.
(7) Sporting Pigeon. A pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the ability to fly in a distinctive manner, such as aerial acrobatics or endurance flying. Examples: Rollers; Tipplers.
(b) Conditions. The keeping, breeding, maintenance and flying of pigeons shall be permitted on the following conditions.
(1) The loft shall be of such sufficient size and design, and constructed of such material, that it can be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
(2) There shall be at least two square feet of floor space in any loft for each mature pigeon kept therein.
(3) The construction and location of the loft shall not conflict with the requirements of any Building Code or Zoning Code of the city, except that any restrictions as they relate to the location in a particular zone or any home occupation restrictions shall not apply.
(4) All feed for said pigeons shall be stored in such containers as to protect against intrusion by rodents and other vermin.
(5) The loft shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all applicable health regulations of the city.
(6) All pigeons shall be confined to the loft, except for limited periods necessary for exercise, training and competition; and at no time shall pigeons be allowed to perch or linger on the buildings or property of others.
(7) All pigeons shall be fed within the confines of the loft.
(8) No one shall release pigeons to fly for exercise, training or competition, except in compliance with the following rules.
(A) The owner of the pigeons must be a member in good standing of an organized pigeon club, such as the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc., the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers, the National Pigeon Association, the American Tippler Society, the International Roller Association, the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club or a local club which has rules that will help preserve the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.
(B) Pigeons will not be released for flying which have been fed within the previous four hours.
(9) Pigeons shall be banded and registered with one of the national pigeon associations/registries.
(c) Permit. On application signed by the owner, on such form as shall be provided by the city, wherein the owner shall certify that their loft(s) comply with applicable Building and Zoning Codes and a hearing shall be held by the Board of Zoning Appeals to determine whether or not such a permit should be issued. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall give publication notice of such application and hearing at least ten days prior to the bearing. In determining whether to issue such a permit, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall take into consideration, among other considerations, the comments of any neighbors and the location of the proposed loft. If the Board of Zoning Appeals determines that such permit should be granted, then a permit shall be issued to the owner, which shall remain in full force and effect unless suspended or revoked, or unless the use of the loft be discontinued for a period of one year.
(d) Right of entry for inspection. The Animal Control Officer may enter and inspect any property or loft at any reasonable time for the purpose of investigating either an actual or suspected violation or to ascertain compliance or non-compliance with this section.
(e) Violation and penalties. When the Animal Control Officer finds a violation to have occurred, the officer shall give written notice thereof to the owner. If said violation is not remedied within ten days, the Animal Control Officer may issue a citation to appear in Municipal Court to answer the charges stated thereon. Any owner found violating any of the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed the sum of $100. Three convictions within 18 months shall result in the revocation of the permit.
(Prior Code § 2-302:306)