§ 4-43. Wild animals or wildlife.

(a)

No person shall possess, keep or have care, custody or control of a wild animal or wildlife within the city except as provided herein.

(b)

All persons, including commercial animal enterprises, shall be prohibited from selling, giving, transferring or importing into the city any wild animal.

(c)

This section shall not apply to approved zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions or licensed circuses; nor shall this section apply to primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, zoological parks owned or operated by a governmental entity or any animal assisting physically handicapped persons.

(d)

It shall be a defense to prosecution under this section that the animal being kept was an infant or injured animal which was not capable of surviving on its own and was being kept by a Texas State Wildlife Rehabilitation permit. Once the animal is capable of surviving on its own, the animal must be released to the ASO.

(e)

Any wild animal which is found running at large may, at the discretion of the animal warden, be impounded or destroyed upon sight.

(Ord. No. 2026, § 1(Exh. A), 8-14-07)