§ 4-8. Ownership of exotic, wild or undomesticated animals.

(a)

Ownership of exotic, wild, or undomesticated animals including but not limited to cats other than domestic cats, simians of all types, including monkeys, apes and chimpanzees, opossums, skunks, raccoons and poisonous or constrictor snakes and bees, but excluding livestock, is prohibited except in cases wherein a permit for ownership has been applied for and issued.

(b)

Permit application forms may be obtained from the director of finance. Completed forms shall be presented by applicant in person, to the animal warden. The animal warden shall review and evaluate each application, considering proposed species of animal, reason for applied ownership, ability of potential owner to manage and care for the animal, potential hazard involved, habitat and proposed housing facilities to be used, security of housing facilities, community concerns and humane considerations. If the application is tentatively approved, the animal warden will make a physical inspection of housing facilities, and if all considerations as described above are approved by the animal warden, the animal warden will then approve the application and permit will be issued by the parish. The permit shall be valid until December 31 of the year issued. Prior to December 31 of each year all holders of permits must review same by applying to the animal warden on the appropriate form, executing such form and remitting the current annual permit fee. Permits shall be reviewed by the director of finance at the request of the animal control officer, animal control officer deputies, or members of the community.

(c)

Permits may be revoked for violations of this article, such as failure to manage and properly care for the animal, creating a community hazard, improper habitat or housing.

(Ord. No. 1001, § 3.335, 11-17-86)