§ 6-35. Wild or exotic animals.

(a)

No person shall have, sell, keep or maintain any wild, exotic, dangerous or nondomesticated animal within the county. "Wild, exotic, dangerous or nondomesticated animal" shall be defined to include all animals classified as class I animals under T.C.A. § 70-4-403, as amended.

(b)

Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, the provisions of this section shall have no application to the following:

(1)

Any veterinary establishment licensed by the state;

(2)

Appropriately accredited colleges, universities or other institutions of higher learning which own, keep or maintain any such animals for educational or scientific purposes; or

(3)

Persons or entities maintaining such animals pursuant to a valid permit issued by the state wildlife resources agency.

(Ord. No. O-96-5-101, § 1(6), 6-24-96; Ord. No. O-02-6-101, § 1, 7-22-02)