§ 3-7. Prohibited animals.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, barter or give away as toys, premiums or novelties, baby chickens, ducklings or other fowl under three (3) weeks old; or rabbits under two (2) months old; unless the manner or method of display is first approved by the local health authority.

(b)

It shall be unlawful to color, dye, stain or otherwise change the natural color of any chickens, ducklings or other fowl, or rabbits, or to possess for the purpose of sale or giving away any of the above mentioned animals which have been so colored.

(c)

It shall be unlawful to own, possess, confine, or care for any wild animal inside the city, except as provided herein.

(d)

It shall be unlawful to release or allow to run at large any wild or vicious animal.

(e)

A whitetail deer breeding program is permitted with all of the following requirements being met:

(1)

The program shall require a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department;

(2)

The program can only be placed in an area zoned I industrial;

(3)

A registered wildlife biologist shall administer the program;

(4)

Areas of an enclosure shall be fenced with eight (8) feet or higher netting fence which is screened and a minimum of six hundred (600) feet from property lines;

(5)

The program can not be used to apply for an AG exemption for ad-valorem tax purposes;

(6)

Written application for a license and payment of the applicable license fee shall be made to the city manager. The application shall include the name and address of the applicant and the address for which the operation is taking place. Applicable Texas Parks & Wildlife permits shall be submitted with the application along with the name and certification of wildlife biologist overseeing the operation. The application shall also include the required license fee. A license is valid for one (1) year from date of issuance, unless sooner revoked. A license is not transferable; and

(7)

An annual license fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) is required.

(Ord. No. 381, § 1, 11-8-07; Ord. No. 415, § 1, 11-9-08)

State law reference

Treatment of live birds, V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code § 821.003.