Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Attorney's Office

TO:	Dave Corliss, City Manager
CC:	Toni Wheeler, City Attorney
FROM:	Maria Kaminska, Assistant City Attorney
DATE:	November 18, 2013
RE:	Falconry

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Staff recommends adopting Ordinance 8942, which permits raptors to be owned within City limits, subject to certain permitting requirements and restrictions.

The proposed language was drafted after a proponent of falconry submitted to the City Manager a request that the Animal Code be amended to allow for a 50-year Master Falconer to bring his falcon with him when he moves to Lawrence in the near future.  

City staff knowledgeable about falconry reports that they have no concerns about permitting falcons to be owned in the City, provided that the cages in which the birds are housed must be locked at all times the birds are inside, and that the birds may not actually fly within City limits.

The proposed Ordinance language reflects these concerns.

Action Requested:

Adopt on first reading, Ordinance No. 8942, permitting raptors to be owned within City limits.