Article III — WILD ANIMALS

animal which is not normally domesticated in the United States, including but not limited to any lion, tiger, bear, nonhuman primate (monkey, chimpanzee, etc.), wolf, cougar, ocelot, wildcat, skunk or venomous snake irrespective of its actual or asserted state or docility, tameness or domesticity, unless a permit has been issued for such animal by the Director. Such an animal shall be referred to as a "wild animal." The possession or maintenance of such an animal shall conform to applicable zoning requirements. The sale, possession for sale, importation or breeding of a wild animal is absolutely prohibited, and no permit shall be issued in such cases. This article does not apply to birds, small rodents, or nonpoisonous reptiles commonly used for educational purposes or for pets.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)

prescribed by the Director. A fee of one hundred (100) dollars shall accompany each such application, no part of which shall be refunded if the permit is denied. A permit shall be valid for one (1) year and shall be renewed annually. Any permit which was properly issuable more than thirty (30) days prior to the actual date of issuance shall be subject to a penalty fee of ten (10) dollars. The Director may issue a permit when, in his opinion, the animal will be treated humanely and will not endanger the health or safety of the surrounding community or cause a nuisance. The Director may inspect the animal and the premises on which the animal is to be kept prior to issuing the permit and may make such inspections after issuance as he deems necessary. A wild animal permit shall not be transferable.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79; Ord. No. 1343, § 5, 9-13-83)

Director with his application a declaration signed by a duly licensed veterinarian certifying that he has examined the subject animal and found the animal to be in good health and properly inoculated. The owner shall have the animal examined by a duly licensed veterinarian at least once every six (6) months; and a certificate of good health shall be presented to the Director after each such examination.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)

regarding the location, caging, sanitation and other requirements regarding wild animals as he deems necessary. Such rules and regulations shall not be effective until adopted by the Board of Supervisors. A copy thereof shall be filed with the Office of Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and with the Department so that the regulations will be readily available for inspection by members of the interested public.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)

or scientific research unless the Director, the County Veterinarian, or Health Officer shall give forty-eight (48) hours advance notice that by reason of inadequate caging or other means of protection of the public from such animals, or by the ineffectiveness of sanitation measures or by a particular hazard connected with the animal or animals involved, the public health and welfare will be endangered.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)

humane manner. At least three (3) working days prior to the impoundment, the owner shall be notified of his right to a departmental hearing as to whether the animal is being held in violation of this article. All costs incurred by the Director for impounding, relocating and disposing of the animal shall be paid by the owner.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)

(a)

The applicant has been convicted of a violation of Sections 597, 597a—597z, 597.5, 598, 598a, 599, 599d or 599e of the Penal Code of the State of California, or any similar provision of the law of another state or of federal law or of this chapter;

(b)

The applicant has made any materially false or misleading statement in the application or has concealed relevant information; or

(c)

The applicant has obtained the animal through illegal means; or

(d)

The applicant is not qualified to possess such animal or does not comply with the requirements set forth in Section 671.4 of the California Administrative Code. An applicant who is qualified to possess such animal must, in addition to other reasonable requirements determined necessary by the Director:

(1)

Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

(2)

Be mentally and physically able to restrain and control such wild animal.

(3)

Provide to the satisfaction of the Director an adequate means of transporting such wild animal to and from holding areas, so that there will be no danger of harm to the public or the animal.

(e)

The public interest justifies the denial of the application.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)

The Director may revoke any wild animal permit for the reasons stated in subsection 40.3

or 41.1 and furthermore may revoke such permit if he finds that the animal has become a nuisance or that the permittee has persistently violated the rules and regulations regarding animals in Lake County. The Director shall notify in writing any person whose application has been denied or permit revoked and state the grounds for such denial or revocation. Any person whose application has been denied or permit revoked may not again apply for a wild animal permit until six (6) months have passed from the date of such denial or revocation.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)

revoked may, within ten (10) calendar days after the date of the denial or revocation, file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors a written appeal, briefly setting forth the reasons why such denial or revocation was not proper. If an appeal is not filed within ten (10) days of the date of denial or revocation, the decision of the Director is final. The Clerk of the Board shall mail or deliver a notice of hearing to the petitioner and the Director.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)

Both parties shall have the right to cross-

examine witnesses. The formal rules of evidence applicable in a court of law shall not apply to such a hearing. The Board of Supervisors shall render its decision, which shall be final. The Board of Supervisors may affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the Director.

(Ord. No. 1110, § 5, 10-16-79)