Orange County NC Website
Animal Control Ordinance <br /> j DIVISION 5 . - KEEPING OF WILD ANIMALS DANGEROUS TO PERSONS AND <br /> PROPERTY <br /> Sec . 4481 . - 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 844-2001 (2), § 11 eff. 84441) <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. 844-01) <br /> Sec . 4483 . - 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 /> i <br /> services . <br /> (Ord. of 8-14-2001 (2), § 3, eff. 84441) <br /> I <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 42 <br /> Effective 3/ 1 /2016 <br />