EXOTIC ANIMAL REGISTRATION POLICY

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to establish a registration system for the ownership and keeping of exotic animals within the Town of Paleto Bay. The policy is intended to promote public safety, protect animal welfare, assist emergency responders, and ensure that exotic animals are maintained in secure and humane conditions while respecting the rights of responsible owners.

This policy supplements all applicable local, state, and federal laws and does not authorize the possession of any animal otherwise prohibited by law.

Section 2. Definitions 

Exotic Animal means any non-domesticated species or hybrid not commonly kept as a household pet, including but not limited to large reptiles, non-native mammals, primates, venomous species, large cats, wolves or wolf hybrids, bears, and other animals designated by the Town's Animal Services Division.

Registrant means the individual responsible for the ownership or custody of an exotic animal.

Secure Enclosure means an enclosure designed and maintained to prevent escape, unauthorized access, injury, or harm to the animal or the public.

Animal Services means the Town department responsible for administering this policy.

Section 3. Registration Requirement 

Any person keeping an exotic animal within the Town of Paleto Bay shall register the animal with Animal Services within thirty (30) days of acquiring the animal or establishing residency within the Town.

Registration shall be renewed annually.

Failure to register an exotic animal may result in enforcement action under applicable ordinances.

Section 4. Registration Information 

Applicants shall provide:

• Full name and contact information of the owner;

• Physical address where the animal is housed;

• Species and common name of the animal;

• Age, sex, coloration, and identifying characteristics;

• Current photograph of the animal;

• Microchip or other permanent identification, if applicable;

• Emergency contact information;

• Veterinary contact information, if available.

The Town may request additional information reasonably necessary for public safety.

Section 5. Housing Requirements 

Owners shall maintain exotic animals in secure enclosures appropriate for the species.

Enclosures shall:

• Prevent escape;

• Prevent unauthorized public access;

• Protect the animal from injury or neglect;

• Be maintained in sanitary condition;

• Meet any applicable state or federal standards.

The Town may conduct inspections with consent or as otherwise authorized by law.

Section 6. Emergency Notification 

Owners shall immediately notify Animal Services or the Paleto Bay Police Department if:

• An exotic animal escapes;

• The animal attacks a person or another animal;

• The animal dies;

• Ownership is transferred;

• The animal is relocated outside the registered address.

Immediate notification is essential to protect public safety.

Section 7. Transfer of Ownership 

No registered exotic animal may be transferred to another person within the Town unless the receiving owner completes registration within thirty (30) days.

Owners remain responsible for compliance until transfer is completed.

Section 8. Veterinary Care 

Owners shall provide appropriate veterinary care consistent with the species and maintain reasonable records of vaccinations or health examinations where applicable.

The Town may request proof of veterinary care when investigating complaints involving neglect or public safety concerns.

Section 9. Public Display 

Exotic animals shall not be displayed in public except:

• During authorized educational programs;

• At permitted exhibitions;

• Under veterinary supervision;

• During lawful transport;

• As otherwise approved by the Town.

Animals shall remain under continuous control while outside their primary enclosure.

Section 10. Prohibited Activities 

Owners shall not:

• Allow exotic animals to roam freely outside secure confinement;

• Breed exotic animals for commercial sale without required licensing;

• Intentionally release exotic animals into the environment;

• House animals in conditions creating danger to neighboring properties;

• Use exotic animals in unlawful entertainment or fighting activities.

Section 11. Exemptions 

This policy does not apply to:

• Accredited zoos;

• Licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities;

• Government agencies;

• Veterinary hospitals;

• Educational institutions operating under applicable permits;

• Temporary transport through the Town without establishing residency.

Such entities remain subject to applicable laws.