Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code Ch. 6.06 Performance of Wild and Exotic Animals for Public Entertainment Or…

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public against hazards that wild and exotic animals used in performances for entertainment pose to society and to protect wild and exotic animals from cruel and inhumane treatment.

(Ord. No. 688, § 2, 9-24-2013)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

"Director" means the Director of Community Services of the city of Rolling Hills Estates, or the director's designee.

"Display" means the use or exhibition of animals for educational purposes or to groups of twenty or fewer persons.

"Domestic animal" means any animal that is livestock, a companion animal, or both. Livestock includes but is not limited to: (1) poultry; (2) cattle; (3) swine; (4) sheep; (5) goats; and (6) horses. Companion animal means any animal that is commonly kept by a person as a pet or for companionship and includes but is not limited to: (1) domesticated dogs; (2) domesticated cats; (3) ferrets; (4) gerbils; (5) guinea pigs; (6) hamsters; (7) horses; (8) mice; (9) rabbits; and (10) rats.

"Performance" means any act, circus, ride, trade show, carnival, parade, race, or similar undertaking where wild and exotic animals are required to perform tricks, fight, or participate as accomplishments in performances that are primarily intended for the entertainment or amusement of an audience. Performance does not include the display of wild and exotic animals.

"Person" means any individual, establishment, firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, corporation or company.

"Wild and exotic animal" means any non-domestic animal and includes any of the following orders and families, or similar orders and families whether bred in the wild or in captivity, and any hybrid with domestic animals. The animals listed in parentheses are intended as examples and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list or limit the generality of each group of animals listed, unless otherwise specified:

Atriodactyla (hippopotamuses, giraffes, camels, but not cattle, swine, sheep or goats)

Canidae (except domesticated dogs)

Casuariiformes (emus)

Crocodilia (alligators, crocodiles)

Edentata (anteaters, sloths, armadillos)

Felidae (except domesticated cats)

Hyaenidae (hyenas)

Marsupialia (kangaroos, opossums)

Mustelidae (skunks, weasels, otters, badgers)

Non-human primates and prosimians (chimpanzees, monkeys)

Perissodactyla (rhinoceroses, tapirs, but not horses, donkeys, or mules)

Proboscidae (elephants)

Procynonidae (raccoons, coatis)

Reptilia over eight feet in length and snakes and reptiles of venomous variety

Struthioniformes (ostriches)

Ursidae (bears)

Viverridae (mongooses, civets, and genets)

(Ord. No. 688, § 2, 9-24-2013)

It is unlawful for any person to permit the performance of any wild and exotic animal for public entertainment or amusement on any public or private property within the city.

(Ord. No. 688, § 2, 9-24-2013)

The director has the power and authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 688, § 2, 9-24-2013)

The following are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

A. Educational or outreach activities endorsed, accredited or licensed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Association of Sanctuaries, American Sanctuary Association, American Zoological Association, or the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or other similar organizations or entities, which, in the director's discretion, have an established history and record of promoting the responsible ownership, management, care and treatment of animals.

B. Veterinarians in the ordinary course of a veterinarian's practice of business.

C. The display of wild or exotic animals.

(Ord. No. 688, § 2, 9-24-2013)