HomeMy WebLinkAboutCc1122 1122
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING POSSESSION AND OWNERSHIP OF NON -
DOMESTICATED ANIMALS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON COUNTY,
MINNESOTA, DOES ORDAIN:
1122.01 Purpose.
To protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Oak Park Heights, it shall
be unlawful to keep any non - domesticated animal within the corporate limits of the
City of Oak Park Heights, except as permitted pursuant to the provisions of this
Chapter.
1122.02 Definitions.
A. "Non- Domesticated" means any mammal, amphibian, or reptile which is of a
species which is wild by nature or of a species which, due to size, vicious
nature or other characteristic is dangerous to human beings. Examples
include, but are not limited to:
1. Any large cat of the family Felidae, such as lions, tigers, jaguars,
leopards, cougars, and ocelots, except commonly accepted
domesticated house cats.
2. Any member of the family Canidae, such as wolves, foxes, coyotes,
dingo, and jackals, except domesticated dogs.
3. Any crossbreed such as crossbreeds between dogs and coyotes, or
dogs and wolves, but does not include crossbred domesticated
animals.
4. Any poisonous snake such as a rattlesnake, coral snake, water
moccasin, puff adder, or cobra.
5. Any snake or reptile which by its size, vicious nature, or other
characteristic is dangerous to human beings.
6. Any skunk, raccoon, or ferret unless certified by a veterinarian to be
free of rabies.
7. Any bear, ape, gorilla, monkey (except as exempted by this
Ordinance), or badger.
8. Any other animal or reptile which is commonly considered wild and
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not domesticated.
1122.03 Exceptions - Permit Required.
A. Any person desiring to keep an animal prohibited by this Ordinance may
apply for a temporary permit from the City Council. Such permit may be
issued for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days and shall specify conditions
under which such animals shall be kept. Provided, however, that no such
permit shall be issued unless such prohibited animal is brought into the City
for entertainment, exhibition, or show purposes only, or by persons keeping
animals for a public zoo as volunteers, docents, or otherwise. (A public zoo
or other non - profit institution engaged in a permanent display of animals, any
bona fide research institution or veterinary hospital may apply for a Special
Use Permit under applicable zoning regulations).
B. Non - poisonous snakes or snakes not prohibited by this Ordinance, birds kept
indoors, hamsters, mice, rabbits, gerbils, white rats, guinea pigs, chinchillas,
or lizards, and similar small animals capable of being kept in cages
continuously are exempt and do not require a permit.
C. Handicapped persons may keep monkeys trained as personal helpers by
permit subject to annual review.
D. The commercial raising of wild animals for pelts may be permitted by permit
provided all applicable zoning requirements and all applicable state
requirements are met.
E. Before issuance of any permit, the applicant shall provide the City with proof
of insurance including public liability insurance with limits of not less than
One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). The insurance shall provide coverage
for liability resulting from the ownership or possession of the specific animal
or animals being permitted.
1122.04 Impounding of Non - Domesticated Animals.
A. Any non - domesticated animal kept in violation of this Ordinance is hereby
declared to be a nuisance and may be impounded by the City. Unless such
impounded animal is reclaimed and removed from the City, or issued a
permit to allow it to remain in the City, or unless the owner petitions the
District Court for a determination that the animal is exempt from the
provisions of this Ordinance, the animal may be destroyed or sold five (5)
days following notice to the owner of such animal of its impoundment and
the provisions of this Ordinance.
B. Any person reclaiming any such animal shall pay the costs of impounding
and boarding the same at the time of its release.
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1122.05 Existing Non - Domesticated Animals.
Anyone keeping or maintaining any non - domesticated animal at the time this
Ordinance is adopted has ninety (90) days in which to comply with the provisions of
this Ordinance. Extensions beyond ninety (90) days may be granted by the City
Council for good cause, but in no case shall such extension permanently exempt a
person from the requirements of this Ordinance.
1122.06 Penaltv.
Any person violating any provision of this Ordinance shall upon conviction thereof
be punished by a fine not exceeding Seven Hundred D011ars ($700.00), or by
imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days in the County Jail, or both.
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