Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/mt-exotic-pets-chapter-4-commercial-activities
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 08:43:00+00:00

Document:
(1) "Roadside menagerie" means any place where one or more wild animals, including birds, reptiles, and the like, are kept in captivity for the evident purpose of exhibition or attracting trade, on or off the facility premises. It does not include the exhibition of any animal by an educational institution or by a traveling theatrical exhibition or circus based outside of Montana.
(2) "Wild animal" means an animal that is wild by nature as distinguished from the common domestic animals, whether the animal was bred or reared in captivity, and includes birds and reptiles.
(3) "Wild animal menagerie" means any place where one or more bears or large cats, including cougars, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, cheetahs, ocelots, and hybrids of those large cats are kept in captivity for use other than public exhibition.
(4) "Zoo" means any zoological garden chartered as a nonprofit corporation by the state or any facility participating in the American zoo and aquarium association accreditation program for the purpose of exhibiting wild animals for public viewing.
Enacted by Laws 1969, ch. 130, § 1; amended by Laws 1973, ch. 511, § 45; Revised Code of Montana 1947, 26-1205; amended by Laws 1999, ch. 322, § 2.
The department shall adopt and enforce reasonable regulations for the housing, care, treatment, feeding, and sanitation of animals kept in roadside menageries, wild animal menageries, and zoos, for the protection of the public from injury by those animals, and for the licensing of roadside menageries, wild animal menageries, and zoos.
Enacted by Laws 1969, ch. 130, § 2; amended by Laws 1977, ch. 417, § 13; Revised Code of Montana 1947, 26-1206(2); amended by Laws 1999, ch. 322, § 3.
(1) The department may grant permits for roadside menageries, wild animal menageries, and zoos. Application for a permit must be made to the director on a form prescribed by the director. The annual permit fee for five or less animals is $10. The annual permit fee for more than five animals is $25. Permits expire on December 31 but may be renewed upon payment of the annual fee and submission of a renewal application. This section does not apply to the United States, the state of Montana, or any county or city. A person who subscribes to any false statement in application for a permit is subject to the provisions of 87-6-715 and may be denied a permit.
(vi) a copy of a liability insurance policy to cover bodily injury or property damage.
(v) information demonstrating that the applicant is responsible.
(v) if applicable, a copy of the American zoo and aquarium association accreditation program specific to the facility.
(3) Renewal applications for roadside menageries and wild animal menageries must include an accounting of all wild animals on the facility.
(4) A permit may not be granted by the department until it has satisfactorily verified that the provisions for housing and caring for the animals and for protecting the public are proper and adequate and in accordance with the standards established by the department.
(5) A permit is not transferable to another person.
Enacted by Laws 1969, ch. 130, §§ 2, 3. Amended by Laws 1977, ch. 417, § 13; Revised Code of Montana 1947, 26-1206(1), 26-1207; amended by Laws 1999, ch. 322, § 4; amended by Laws 2011, ch. 258, § 112, eff. Oct. 1, 2011.
(1) It is unlawful to obtain wild animals for a roadside menagerie, wild animal menagerie, or zoo by capture from the wild or by purchase except as authorized by the department in accordance with the terms of a permit.
(b) that the number and species of wildlife desired is not excessive under the circumstances.
(3) If wild animals are to be obtained by capture for use in zoos, the permit must designate the number and the means of capture, but ownership of the wild animals captured shall remain in the state of Montana.
(4) Roadside menageries, wild animal menageries, and zoos may obtain captive-bred wild animals from a licensed zoo, menagerie, alternative livestock ranch, fur farm, game bird farm, or animal rehabilitation center.
(5) Wild animals may be bought, sold, or transferred under regulations that the department prescribes.
(6) The number of wild animals in a wild animal menagerie may not exceed 10.
Enacted by Laws 1969, ch. 130, § 4; amended by Laws 1977, ch. 417, § 13; Revised Code of Montana 1947, 26-1208; amended by Laws 1999, ch. 322, § 5. (5) and (6) Enacted by Laws 1999, ch. 322, § 7.
All roadside menageries, wild animal menageries, and zoos and all equipment used in connection with any roadside menagerie, wild animal menagerie, or zoo must be open to inspection at all reasonable hours. If upon inspection it is found that the roadside menagerie, wild animal menagerie, or zoo is not being operated in accordance with this part or with the department regulations, the director shall revoke the permit without right of renewal and shall redeem possession of all wildlife obtained by capture or unlawful propagation.
Enacted by Laws 1969, ch. 130, § 6; amended by Laws 1977, ch. 417, § 13; Revised Code of Montana 1947, 26-1210; amended by Laws 1999, ch. 322, § 6.
(1) The provisions of this part must be enforced by any warden or any other legally authorized officer. Any person violating the provisions of this part shall upon conviction be punished as provided in 87-6-715, and at the discretion of the court, the permit and all rights and privileges inherent in the permit may be forfeited.
(2) Any animals being kept in violation of any section of this part may be confiscated or ordered disposed of at the discretion of the director. The permittee may appeal to the commission within 20 days of the date of the order to confiscate, and the commission shall hold a hearing on an appeal. The decision of the commission is final.
Fines, bonds, or penalties, except those obtained by a justice's court, shall be administered and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of 87-1- 601. Fees obtained under this part must be deposited with the department of revenue and credited to the state special revenue fund, fish and game account.
Enacted by Laws 1969, ch. 130, § 8; amended by Laws 1973, ch. 511, § 46; Revised Code of Montana 1947, 26-1212; amended by Laws 1983, ch. 277, § 1; amended by Laws 1987, ch. 557, § 63; amended by Laws 2001, ch. 257, § 46.

References: § 1
 § 45
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 § 13
 § 3
 § 13
 § 4
 § 112
 § 4
 § 13
 § 5
 § 7
 § 6
 § 13
 § 6
 § 8
 § 46
 § 1
 § 63
 § 46