(A) Unlawful act. lt shall be unlawful for any person to keep, maintain, possess or have under his or her control within the town any venomous reptile or any other wild or exotic animal.
(B) Exceptions. This section shall not apply to lawfully operated and located pet shops, zoological gardens, scientific research laboratories, circuses, veterinarians harboring the animals for purposes of providing professional medical treatment, wildlife rehabilitators with proper permits, or exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture displaying the animals for educational purposes, provided that the animals are maintained in a manner so as to prevent escape.
(C) Permits not authorized; effects of annexation. Permits for the keeping or maintenance of wild or exotic animals are not authorized. Persons in newly annexed areas have 30 days from the date of annexation to comply with this section.
(D) Compliance with state and federal regulations and safe confinement. The confinement of exotic or wild animals exempted from division (A) of this section by division (B) of this section must meet the regulations promulgated by the State Wildlife Commission, the minimum standards under the Animal Welfare Act, being G.S. §§ 19A-20 et seq. and all applicable rules promulgated by the United States Department of Agriculture. In addition to meeting these minimum standards, all the venomous reptiles and all the wild or exotic animals shall be confined, restrained or controlled in such a manner so that the physical safety or property of any person lawfully entering the premises shall not be endangered.
(E) Presence on public rights-of-way. Animals described under division (A) of this section but exempt under division (B) of this section shall not be allowed on any public street, sidewalk or other public way, except in a fully enclosed cage or adequate structural restraint. The use of a leash, with or without a muzzle, shall not be considered adequate restraint. Exempt from this division are animals that are part of a featured performance at a special event with a town festival or parade permit where the animal handler is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
(1995 Code, § 10-70) (Ord. 2005-02, passed - -2005) Penalty, see § 10.99