87-4-803. Permits. (1) The department shall grant permits for roadside menageries or zoos. It is unlawful for any person to operate a roadside menagerie without a permit. Application for a permit shall be made to the director on a form prescribed by him. The annual permit fee for five or less animals shall be $10. The annual permit fee for more than five animals shall be $25. Permits shall expire on December 31 but may be renewed upon payment of the annual fee. This section shall not apply to the United States, the state of Montana, or any county or city. Any person who shall subscribe to any false statement in application for a permit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
     (2) No permit shall be granted by the department until it has satisfactorily verified that the provisions for housing and caring for such animals and for protecting the public are proper and adequate and in accordance with the standards established by the department.
     (3) A permit is not transferable to another person unless the roadside menagerie or zoo to which it pertains is also transferred to the same person. The director's approval must be obtained prior to such permit transfer and prior to a transfer of any wild animals held under the permit.

     History: En. Secs. 2, 3, Ch. 130, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 417, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 26-1206(1), 26-1207.