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OFMCE COUNTY v BOA1M OF COMMISSIONEFS Action Agenda ACTION AGENDA ITEM A&STRACT Item No. LA MEE71=3 DATE January 18, 1983 Subject: Complaints as to Wild and Vicious Animals Department- Health County Manager I-Public Hearing: yes X no_� . Attachments Information Contact: Yes Health Director - 732-8181 ext. 311 County Manager - 732-8181 ext. 501 Phone Phmiber: PUE20SE: To consider whether to regulate or ban the keeping of such animals in the county. NEED: Various citizens have raised concerns over wild non-domestic, or vicious domestic animals being harbored in the County. The concern is that they are dangerous to persons or property or have the potential of being dangerous to persons or property. Looking just to the recent past, several incidents can be noted. In October complaints were reported over the escape of a bear from a kennel , located near Chanel Hill. In December, the Health Department investigated an incident where a pit bull dog had escaped the owners progerty near Hillsborough and attacked an 18 month old boy inflicting life-threatening injury. in January a boa constrictor escaped its owner in an apartment complex in Chanel Hill. All of these incidents point out insufficient attention by the owners as to what is necessary for security of confine- ment and proper care. The question is whether Board action is necessary to insure health, safety and welfare measures for the public's protection. Present local laws (zoning ordinance, animal control ordinance) do not address these types of animals. The State Wildlife Commission rules only apply to animals which are indigenous to the area. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's regulation apply only to persons interested in securing licenses as a dealer or exhibitor of exotic animals. They do not apply to people who might contend the animals are being kept as personal pets. In regard to kennels,. USDA only inspects once a year. It's response time would be slow in dealing with animal escapes or allegations of inhumane treatment. If Board action is deemed necessary the General Statutes of North Carolina authorize boards of county commissioners to take action. Section 153A-121 permitscounties "to define, regulate, prohibit, or abate acts, omissions, or conditions detrimental: to the Realth, safety or welfare of its citizens and the peace and dinnity of the county". Section 153A-131 permits counties to regulate, restrict or prohibit the possession or harboring of animals which are dangerous to persons or property. Two approaches are attached as exhibits. The Chatham County proposed ordinance describes a regulatory approach whereas one in effect in Wilson County exemplifies a prohibition approach. RECOMMENDATION: As the Board decides.