Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
VI. RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> 1. It is recommended that the County place a ban in effect in 120 days. <br /> 2. The ban would prohibit the keeping of wild animals by any person, <br /> firm or corporation, except recognized animal dealers, transporters, <br /> exhibitors (zoos), researchers and authorized animal rehabilitation <br /> programs, and would allow time for relocation of animals affected <br /> by the ban. <br /> 3. "Wild animals" shill include all species not traditionally <br /> considered domesticated. <br /> 4. "Recognized" shall include the follming criteria for assessing <br /> the legitimacy of a program. <br /> a. Proof of the long-term nature of the program. The affected <br /> party must show that the program has financial stability <br /> and that the program and facilities will be maintained. <br /> b. Professional expertise. The party must be familiar with the <br /> species of animal in question, conversant with pertinent <br /> scientific literature and able to demonstrate a successful <br /> program. The party must be able to successfully submit his <br /> expertise to peer review. <br /> c. Adequate facilities. The party must provide facilities <br /> responsive to the species of animal involved. The facilities <br /> should be able to pass professional review. <br /> d. Appropriate care program. The party must be able to specify, <br /> maintain and support an appropriate program of annual and <br /> daily care. <br /> 5. Within the 120-day grace period, a further exception will consider <br /> involving the keeping of smaller wild animals such serbals, <br /> caracels, and lesser pandas. If regulations for these animals <br /> are established, owners or possessors must show proof of the <br /> non-dangerous nature of the animals and must agree to abide with <br /> County standards for enclosures. <br /> 6. Within the 120-day period, a moratorium would exist, preventing <br /> any person, firm or corporation from bringing additional wild <br /> animals into the County and from transferring ownership or <br /> possession of a wild animal to another.person, firm or corporation <br /> within the County. <br /> 7. All persons, firms or corporations must register within 15-days <br /> all wild animals in their possession with the County. The <br /> number, species (common and biological) name and location of the <br /> animals, as well as the owner or possessor!-,s name and address should be <br /> provided. <br /> 8. The North Carolina General Assembly should be requested to consider <br /> more extensive legislation which will apply statewide. An expanded <br /> role for the State should be encouraged. <br />