Charlotte and Mecklenburg County prohibit keeping inherently dangerous exotic animals such as big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and bears within city limits, with limited exceptions for licensed zoos, sanctuaries, and qualifying research facilities.
Mecklenburg County Animal Care and Control enforces the inherently dangerous animal ordinance jointly with Charlotte. The list covers nonhuman primates, large carnivores, crocodilians over five feet, and several venomous snakes. Owners must register pre-existing animals, maintain liability insurance, and secure escape-proof enclosures inspected by Animal Control. Permits are not transferable. State law (NCGS Chapter 14, Article 55) reinforces local authority over dangerous wild animals. Residents who observe a suspected exotic should call 311 rather than approach the animal.
Possession without registration is a Class 3 misdemeanor; animals may be seized at owner expense and euthanized or relocated to a sanctuary if no permit issues.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Mecklenburg County.
See how other cities in Mecklenburg County handle exotic pets.
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