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Chapter 4 <br />Lee County Code <br />Animals <br />4-121. <br />Sec. 4-42.Possession or release of inherently dangerous exotic animals. <br />(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to harbor or to release from <br />captivity in Lee County an inherently dangerous exotic animal. A harborer of <br />an inherently dangerous exotic animal is any person, regardless of <br />ownership, who allows an inherently dangerous exotic animal to remain, <br />lodge, be fed, or be given shelter or refuge in any place over which the <br />person has control. <br />(b) This Section does not apply to: <br />(1) Veterinarian clinics in possession of such animals for <br />treatment or rehabilitation purposes. <br />(2) Any institute or organization, which exists primarily to educate <br />the public in the areas of science and nature; which receives or <br />has received financial support from federal, state, and/or local <br />governments; which has a paid membership open to and composed of <br />members of the general public; which is directed by a Board of <br />Directors or similar body elected by a membership; and which has <br />been declared a 501(c)(3) exempt organization by the Internal <br />Revenue Service. <br />(3) Non-resident circuses or carnivals during the period for which they <br />are authorized to operate in the county pursuant to a permit issued <br />by appropriate authority. <br />(4) Persons temporarily transporting such animals through the county <br />provided that such transit time shall not be more than 24 hours. <br />(c) Impoundment Authorized. <br />(1) Any person who harbors an inherently dangerous exotic animal in <br />violation of this Section shall be given a notice of violation by <br />Animal Services and the animal impounded. If the harborer is not <br />present when the animal is impounded, the notice of violation will be <br />posted at the place where the animal was impounded. <br />(2) Any animal impounded pursuant to this Section will be held three <br />(3) business days for the harborer to claim pursuant to paragraph (3) of <br />this Section. However, if the animal cannot be impounded safely by Animal <br />Services or if proper and safe housing cannot be found for the animal, <br />Animal Services shall immediately euthanize the animal. <br />(3) The harborer of the animal can reclaim the animal upon conditions <br />established by the Animal Services Supervisor, and approved by the health <br />director, including that a safe transfer of the animal to an appropriate <br />location outside of the County has been arranged and shall immediately be <br />made. <br />(4) If the harborer does not claim the animal or cannot be located within <br />three (3) business days after impoundment, Animal Services may sell, <br />transfer ownership of, or euthanize the animal at the discretion of the <br />health director. <br />10 <br />