Orange County NC Website
Animal Control Ordinance <br /> DIVISION 5. - KEEPING OF WILD ANIMALS DANGEROUS TO PERSONS AND <br /> PROPERTY <br /> Sec. 4-181. - Definitions. <br /> As used hereinafter, the following term shall mean: <br /> Wild Animals Dangerous to Persons and Property, hereinafter referred to as "Wild and <br /> Dangerous Animals": The term applies to the following animals: all felines (other than <br /> the domestic house cat), nonhuman primates, bears, wolves, coyotes,reptiles (poisonous, <br /> crushing, and giant), and any crossbreed of such animals which have similar <br /> characteristics of the animals specified herein. In order to properly administer the <br /> provisions of this Ordinance, the Animal Services Advisory Board may add to or remove <br /> from the classification of wild animal any bird, mammal, reptile, aquatic and amphibious <br /> forms, or other members of the animal kingdom. Additions to or deletions from the <br /> animals regulated herein may be made only if the Animal Services Advisory Board <br /> determines, after receiving evidence, that such animals because of habit, mode of life or <br /> natural instinct are either capable or incapable of being domesticated, requires the <br /> exercise of art, force or skill to keep them safely in subjection, and would or would not <br /> create a reasonable likelihood of hazard to the public. <br /> (Ord. of 8-14-2001(2), §1, eff. 8-14-01) <br /> Sec. 4-182. - Keeping of wild and dangerous animals prohibited. <br /> No person, firm, or corporation shall keep, shelter, feed, harbor, or take care of any wild <br /> and dangerous animal within Orange County. <br /> (Ord. of 8-14-2001(2), §2, eff 8-14-01) <br /> Sec. 4-183. - Exemptions. <br /> The provisions of this Ordinance shall not apply to the keeping of wild and dangerous <br /> animals as follows, provided, such keeping is in all respects in compliance with <br /> applicable federal and state rules and regulations: <br /> (a) Animals used for teaching and/or research purposes at The University of North Carolina <br /> at Chapel Hill. <br /> (b) Wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the state or the federal government to provide such <br /> services. <br /> (Ord. of 8-14-2001(2), §3, eff. 8-14-01) <br /> Sec. 4-184. - Enforcement. <br /> (a) Investigations. The Orange County Animal Services Department or the North <br /> Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission shall investigate any complaints that a <br /> wild animal is possessed or harbored in Orange County in violation of this <br /> Ordinance to determine whether or not a violation has occurred. <br /> (b) Penalties. <br /> (1) Criminal Offenses - A violation of any provision of this Division <br /> constitutes a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided in North <br /> Adopted 1/21/2016 Unified Animal Control Ordinance Page 41 <br /> Effective 3/1/2016 <br />