WILD ANIMALS

Mo - On 6-1-98, the Animal Regulation Comsn acted to adopt "Rules & Regulations" for permitting commercial and private ownership of wild animals including reptiles. Under the Comsn's policy, Wild animal & Reptile owners, when notified by the Dept of Animal Regulation, will have 30 days after the date of notification to submit a completed application form and permit fee. The definition of "wild animals and reptiles" includes any wild, exotic, dangerous or non-domestic animal or reptile. It does not include such pets as rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits or amphibians. Ownership of rear-fanged snakes and venomous snakes is prohibited. The Comn's "Rules & Regulations" for permitting commercial and private ownership of wild animals and reptiles do not require the owners of these animals to notify their neighbors of the presence of such pets. The City should require that notification be made to adjacent neighbors for informational purposes only as a condition of receiving a Wild Animal and Reptile owner's permit. If adjacent neighbors are notified that a wild, exotic, dangerous or non-domestic animal is living next door, they can take precautions to ensure that their pets or children are kept out of harm's way. THEREFORE MOVE that the Ccl determine, as provided in Section 54954.2(b)(2) of the Government Code, and pursuant to Rule 23 of the Rules of Ccl, that there is an immediate need to act on this matter and that the need for action came to the attention of the Ccl subsequent to the posting of the agenda for today's meeting. FURTHER MOVE that pursuant to Section 32.3 of the LACC (Prop 5) the Ccl assert jurisdiction over the Monday, 61-98, Animal Regulation Comsn action adopting "Rules & Regulations" for permitting commercial and private ownership of wild animals, including reptiles. FURTHER MOVE that Ccl approve and amend the action of the Animal Regulation Comsn to include in their "Rules & Regulations" a requirement that owners of wild animals requiring a permit must notify their adjacent neighbors of their possession of such an animal and provide evidence of such notification to Animal Regulation Dept.