Council hears first reading of ordinance to restrict public displays and performances of exotic animals; second reading set

Sedona — The Sedona City Council received a first reading and staff briefing on a proposed ordinance that would prohibit public displays and performances of wild or exotic animals on public property within city limits and establish enforcement authority and penalties.

Patrol Commander Chris Dowell and city legal staff presented the proposal, saying public displays — animals exhibited for photographs, shows or money on sidewalks and other public spaces — had increased in Uptown and raised health, safety and sanitation concerns. Dowell showed video and photographs in which handlers place live snakes, rodents and other animals on benches and allow tourists to take photographs. He said Arizona Game and Fish generally enforces wildlife statutes but that many of the animals encountered in Uptown were regulated under other state rules or were effectively in a regulatory gap.

The proposed ordinance would make it unlawful to display or sponsor the display of wild or exotic animals in public unless the exhibitor holds required state or federal permits and permission of the property owner (the staff draft referenced Arizona Game and Fish permits and USDA licensing as relevant exemptions). The ordinance language would empower city code enforcement officers, animal control staff and certified peace officers to issue written warnings for first violations and to pursue fines or misdemeanor charges for repeat or egregious violations. The draft also assigns costs for animal care or seizure to the exhibitor when necessary.

Council members asked staff several clarifying questions. Members asked how the state permits operate (Game and Fish and USDA permits were discussed), whether private property events open to the public would be covered, and whether the city should require proof of liability insurance for public displays. City staff confirmed that permitted educational displays (for example, school programs or permitted events) would be an exception if the exhibitor holds the appropriate state/federal permit and has the property owner’s permission. Several councilors asked staff to add an explicit insurance requirement for public displays and to clarify the permit and enforcement procedures with Arizona Game and Fish before the second reading.

No vote was taken on the ordinance at first reading. Council directed staff to return for a second reading and to consider adding an insurance requirement and clearer permit language that specifies the relationship between Game and Fish/USDA permits and city permission for public displays.

Why it matters

The proposed ordinance responds to repeated public complaints and several enforcement incidents involving animals in tourist areas. Councilors framed the ordinance as intended to protect public health and safety, vulnerable populations (young children, older adults) and animal welfare, while still allowing regulated educational programs and permitted events.

Details

- The staff draft would prohibit public display/performance of wild/exotic animals; exceptions would include exhibitors who hold Arizona Game and Fish permits or USDA licenses and who have property‑owner permission. - Enforcement starts with a written warning; subsequent violations could carry fines (up to $2,500) and potential misdemeanor prosecution in repeated or serious cases. Staff proposed that seized animals’ care and housing costs be charged to the exhibitor. - Council asked staff to return with revised language clarifying permit interaction with state agencies and to explore requiring liability insurance for public displays.

Speakers quoted in this story are identified by their meeting roles: Commander Chris Dowell (Sedona Police Department) and City Attorney Kurt Harris (as legal counsel in discussion). All quotes are verbatim excerpts from the meeting transcript.