§ 7-25. Keeping of exotic animals.

(a)

No person shall keep any wild or exotic species of land animals, reptiles, or birds, warm or cold blooded that falls under Class I designated by the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter's "Rules for Wild or Exotic Animals." A permit costing one hundred dollars ($100.00) must be obtained from the department of animal and pest control for all Class II species. Application procedures and requirement for such permit shall be in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the animal shelter advisory board until after it is determined, by inspection or otherwise, whether the keeping of such animals or birds is in violation of any of the provisions of this article or will constitute a nuisance. Under no circumstances will the keeping of poisonous snakes be allowed other than in licensed zoos. All pet shops must obtain a fifty dollar ($50.00) permit for the possession of Class III animals in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the animal shelter advisory board.

(b)

The animal shelter department may issue a temporary permit for the keeping, care and protection of an infant wild animal native to this area which has been deemed to be homeless until such time as it may be safely released or permit issued for its keeping by the department as provided by subsection (a).

(c)

Subsection (a) shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions or circuses.

(Code 1961, § 4-16(g); Ord. No. 18642, § 1, 12-2-92; Ord. No. 20257, § 1, 1-14-98)