Revised Enforcement of Wild and Dangerous Animals

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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, as defined in Section 4-37 of this Chapter, shall own, keep, maintain, or have under their control 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 owned or kept for for teaching and/or research purposes by institutions duly authorized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina, provided such institution is permitted for such animal(s) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and continually maintains any necessary permits from state and federal agencies. (b) Bears, bobcats, and venomous snakes kept temporarily for rehabilitation by wildlife rehabitators with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rehabilitation Permit and/or a North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Rehabilitation License (hereinafter, collectively, “rehabilitation license”), to the extent permitted by the rehabilitation license, provided the rehabilitator obtains prior approval from the Animal Services Director and the following conditions are met in order to assure the health and safety of the public: