Unified Animal Control Ordinance draft amendments CLEAN for August ASAB

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Animal Control Ordinance Adopted 1/21/2016 Unified Animal Control Ordinance Page 42 Effective 3/1/2016 DIVISION 5. - KEEPING OF WILD ANIMALS DANGEROUS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY Sec. 4-181. - Definitions. As used hereinafter, the following term shall mean: Wild Animals Dangerous to Persons and Property, hereinafter referred to as "Wild and Dangerous Animals": The term applies to the following animals: all felines (other than the domestic house cat), nonhuman primates, bears, wolves, coyotes, reptiles (poisonous, crushing, and giant), and any crossbreed of such animals which have similar characteristics of the animals specified herein. In order to properly administer the provisions of this Ordinance, the Animal Services Advisory Board may add to or remove from the classification of wild animal any bird, mammal, reptile, aquatic and amphibious forms, or other members of the animal kingdom. Additions to or deletions from the animals regulated herein may be made only if the Animal Services Advisory Board determines, after receiving evidence, that such animals because of habit, mode of life or natural instinct are either capable or incapable of being domesticated, requires the exercise of art, force or skill to keep them safely in subjection, and would or would not create a reasonable likelihood of hazard to the public. (Ord. of 8-14-2001(2), § 1, eff. 8-14-01) Sec. 4-182. - Keeping of wild and dangerous animals prohibited. No person, firm, or corporation shall keep, shelter, feed, harbor, or take care of any wild and dangerous animal within Orange County. (Ord. of 8-14-2001(2), § 2, eff. 8-14-01) Sec. 4-183. - Exemptions. The provisions of this Ordinance shall not apply to the keeping of wild and dangerous animals as follows, provided, such keeping is in all respects in compliance with applicable federal and state rules and regulations: (a) Animals used for teaching and/or research purposes at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (b) Wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the state or the federal government to provide such services. (Ord. of 8-14-2001(2), § 3, eff. 8-14-01) Sec. 4-184. - Enforcement. (a) Investigations. The Orange County Animal Services Department or the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission shall investigate any complaints that a wild animal is possessed or harbored in Orange County in violation of this Ordinance to determine whether or not a violation has occurred. (b) Penalties. (1) Criminal Offenses - A violation of any provision of this Division constitutes a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided in North