Orange County NC Website
Animal Control Ordinance <br />DRAFTv.3 - 8/15/2013 Page 4 <br /> <br />(Ord. of 6-16-1987, § VI, eff. 1-1-1988) <br />Sec. 4-37. - Definitions. <br />As used in this Chapter, the following terms mean: <br />Adequate Food: The provision at suitable intervals, not to exceed 24 hours, of a <br />quantity of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the species and age, sufficient to maintain a <br />reasonable level of nutrition in each animal. Such foodstuff shall be served in a <br />receptacle, dish, or container that is physically clean and in which agents injurious to <br />health have been removed or destroyed to a practical minimum. <br />Adequate Shelter: That shelter which will keep a nonaquatic animal dry, out of <br />the direct path of winds and out of the direct sun, at a temperature level that is healthful <br />for the animal. For dogs, cats and other small animals, the shelter shall be a windproof <br />and moisture-proof structure of suitable size to accommodate the animal and allow <br />retention of body heat. It shall include four walls, a roof and a solid floor raised up off of <br />the ground, with an opening entrance large enough to allow access to the animal, but <br />placed in such a way as to keep the animal out of the direct path of winds. Metal barrels <br />do not provide adequate shelter for a dog, cat or other small animal and are prohibited for <br />that purpose. The structure shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of suitable <br />bedding material consisting of hay, straw, cedar shaving, or the equivalent. For all <br />animals the containment area shall be free of accumulated waste and debris so that the <br />animal shall be free to walk or lie down without coming in contact with any such waste <br />or debris, and a suitable method of draining shall be provided to rapidly eliminate excess <br />water or moisture. Aquatic or semi-aquatic animals shall have an adequate amount of <br />clean water in which to move. <br />Adequate Water: A constant access to a supply of clean, fresh water provided in a <br />sanitary manner. In near or below freezing temperatures the water must be changed <br />frequently to prevent freezing, unless heated. <br />Administrator: The Animal Services Director, or their designee, as designated by <br />the County Manager to perform the responsibilities assigned by this chapter to the <br />Administrator. <br />Animal: Any live, vertebrate creature specifically including but not limited to <br />dogs, cats, farm animals, birds, fish, livestock, and reptiles. <br />Animal Control Services Director: That person designated by the County <br />Manager in Orange County, and where appropriate, his or her designee, charged with the <br />responsibility and authority to implement and enforce the Animal Control program in <br />Orange County. <br />Animal Shelter: A place provided and operated by Orange County directly or by <br />contractual agreement, whether jointly with another governmental unit or independently, <br />for the restraint, care, adoption, and disposition of animals. <br />At Large: Any animal shall be deemed to be at large when it is off the property of <br />its owner or its keeper and not under the restraint of a competent person. For purposes of