Pursuant to authority granted by the North Carolina general assembly, this animal control chapter is enacted to regulate, restrict or prohibit, if necessary, animals; to protect the public from unvaccinated, diseased, stray, roaming, dangerous, wild or exotic animals; to make unlawful acts of animals that interfere with the enjoyment of property or the peace and safety of the community; to protect animals from abuse or conditions harmful to their well-being; and to carry out any other lawful duties authorized by state laws and applicable ordinances.
(Code 1982, § 4-1; Ord. No. 01-022, § 1, 11-8-2001)