Title
Amend City Code of Ordinances Chapter 3 - Animals
Action
Action:
Approve an amendment to the Animals Ordinance.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Patrick Baker, City Attorney's Office
Kerr Putney, Police
Tonya Arrington, Police
Current Ordinance
* One stated purpose of the City of Charlotte Code of Ordinances Chapter 3 - Animals chapter is "the protection of animals from abuse or conditions harmful to their well-being."
* The section on Exotic or Wild Animals has not been updated since 1985. The current provisions include:
* Defining exotic and wild animals,
* Specifying restraint requirements, and
* Establishing who can possess these types of animals.
* To address recent concerns over the treatment of circus animals, adding provisions for the protection of wild and exotic animals used in performances is proposed.
Proposed Changes
* The proposed amendment is for the following changes:
* Update Section 3-3 - Definitions to add the definitions of bullhooks, electric prods, and whips.
* Update Section 3-73 - Exotic or Wild Animals to add subsection (f):
* Handling. The handling of exotic or wild animals exempted from subsection (a) of this section by subsection (b) of this section must meet the regulations promulgated by the state wildlife commission, the minimum standards under the Animal Welfare Act and all applicable rules promulgated by the United States Department of Agriculture. In addition to meeting these minimum standards, no permanent or transient animal exhibition or circus shall induce or encourage animals to perform through the use of chemical, mechanical, electrical, or manual devices in a manner that is likely to cause physical injury or suffering. Further, the use of bullhooks, electric prods, whips or other devices to handle, train, or otherwise interact with elephants, felines and primates when they are on display, performing or being trained is prohibited. All equipment used on a performing animal shall fit properly and be in good working ...
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