(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to abuse, molest, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance, beat, mutilate or kill, wound, injure, poison, abandon or subject to conditions detrimental to its health or general welfare any animal, or to cause or procure the action. The words “torture” and “torment” shall be held to include every act, omission or neglect whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death is caused or permitted; but the terms shall not be construed to prohibit lawful shooting of birds, deer and other game for human food; nor to prohibit an animal’s owner, a veterinarian, the Director of Environmental Services or Animal Control Section agents from destroying dangerous, unwanted or injured animals in a humane manner, nor to prohibit the lawful use of animals in scientific research.
(B) Animal cruelty investigator(s) may be appointed by the County Board of Commissioners as provided under G.S. § 19A-45. An animal cruelty investigator has the responsibility for carrying out the defined duties of an animal cruelty investigator as mandated by G.S. § 19A, Article 4. An animal control officer may be requested to accompany the investigator on animal seizures.
(Ord. passed 5-3-2004) Penalty, see § 91.99