Agenda - 02-15-1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-4- potential but specificity is still a hinderance. Large cats and bears, primates and venomous reptiles could be banned, and smaller cats and bears (lesser pandas) could be allowed but regulated. The problem, though, is still how to confirm which animals are generally equivalent to domesticated animals; i.e. , have a high degree of behavior predictability and low degree of danger. Classification by habi tant,local i ty offers limited benefits. 4. An ordinance distinguishing beteen "wild" or "undomesticated" and 'domesticated" animals offers a solution, for it focuses on a central issue; i.e. , the degree of predictability and control and, in turn, the potential for danger. B. Enforcement difficulties must be considered if the County is to assume a role in wild animal control . 1 . -here are no precedents for regulations. Bits and pieces of good ordinances exist in some states and some counties, but no Overall model exists to provide guidance. 2. Keeping of animals in homes is most serious problem, but standards for separate enclosure poses a problem as well. . a. The primary purpose for enclosures is to protect the general public and provide suitable, safe, restricted environment. Unless constructed properly, the likelihood of escape is greater. b. The cost of enclosures is high ($1 ,50042,000 for a large cat) and standards vary almost as greatly as the number of animal species. The American Humane Association has published standards for 62 different enclosures. Enclosures should provide for primary and secondary contain- ment. Primary containment involves the area where the animal is actually housed, whereas the secondary area contains the animal if it escapes from the primary enclosure. c. Specifications for enclosures must address materials, space requirements, ventilation, water disposal , lighting, shelter from inclement weather, social separation, drainage, pest control , temporary refuge, locomotion patterns and claw con- ditioning. This wide array of specifications, the variety of standards and the lack of consensus on proper standards would make it difficult for Inspections personnel to enforce. d. Separate specifications must be prepared for animals kept in homes. The home thus becomes the primary enclosure and must be adapted for this purpose through securing windows and doors. Entrances must be secured through the provision of an air lock to limit direct access to the exterior of the building. A secondary enclosure surrounding the home would also be advisable in the event the animal escapes from the home. 3. en if an enforcement capability -is desired, the availability of E gaining for personnel is limited. a. According to N. C. Zoo officials, there are no training programs offered in the field of wild animal care and handling. The problem is providing adequate training when the program would have to cover so many varieties of animals, and no one knows which animals an inspector will have to deal with.