SECTION 602.01  Definitions:

The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this Ordinance:

Subd. 1 Trap: A mechanical device, snare, artificial light, net, bird, bird line, ferret, hawk, vehicle or any contrivance whatever.

Subd. 2 Trapping: The setting or laying or otherwise using of a trap to trap, catch, snare or otherwise restrain free movement of animals, wildlife or birds.

SECTION 602.02  Violation:

Trapping anywhere in the City of Sunfish Lake is prohibited, except provided in Section 602.04 below.

SECTION 602.03  Penalty:

Any person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

SECTION 602.04  Exceptions:

Subd. 1 Representatives of the City, County, State, or Federal Government: The provisions of this ordinance do not apply to representatives of the City, County, State or Federal government, who may, in the course of their duties, be required to use a trap to trap, catch, snare kill or otherwise restrain any animal to protect human life or property or to teachers for school programs or scientists intending to identify animals, wildlife or birds which will be returned to their natural environment uninjured. Any such trapping is permitted only with the express written consent of the landowner upon whose property the trapping occurs.

Subd. 2 One year permit: The City Council of the City of Sunfish Lake, may issue a one year permit which allows the permit holder and/or the family of the permit holder to trap animals according to the conditions of the permit.  The holder of a permit may not attempt any trapping on the private property of another without the specific written permission of the owner of said property.  Such written permission, or 2 copies thereof, must be carried on the person of anyone attempting any trapping on the private property of another.  The permit must include the following information:

(a) The name of the permit holder and the names of his spouse and children.

(b) The address of the permit holder.

(c) A general description as to the land upon which trapping may be allowed.

Subd. 3  Live traps: The provisions of this ordinance do not apply to live traps provided the following occur:

(a) The live traps are checked at least daily; and

(b) The animals trapped in the live traps are released unharmed or if such animals are injured, they must be disposed of in an humane manner.

Subd. 4  Traps for animals underground: The provisions of this ordinance do not apply to traps designed to catch, snare, restrain or kill animals underground provided the following occur:

(a) The traps are placed on property owned by the person placing the trap or with the property owner's written consent; and

(b) The traps are set in a manner that does not pose a risk of harm to non-targeted animals above ground.

(Ord. 96-17, 9/3/96)