Durham County Code Article XI requires a permit for keeping an exotic animal. Sec. 4-302 bars keeping an exotic animal more than five days without first obtaining and maintaining all federal, state, and county animal-control permits. Inherently dangerous animals are separately restricted under Article XII.
Chapter 4, Article XI governs exotic animals, defined in Sec. 4-13 as species ordinarily confined to a zoo or not indigenous to North Carolina (excluding ordinary household pets, farm animals, fish, birds, and nonvenomous insects/reptiles). Sec. 4-302 requires a permit for each exotic animal, with an application to Animal Services detailing the species, confinement facility square footage, proof of liability coverage, and all federal/state permits. Research institutions and pet shops holding animals for resale are exempt under Sec. 4-301. Truly dangerous species are addressed under Article XII (Inherently Dangerous Animals, Sec. 4-321 et seq.), which requires safe confinement and compliance with state and federal law. Permits can be denied or revoked under Sec. 4-303.
Keeping an exotic animal without the required permit is enforceable under Sec. 4-305 with civil penalties (starting at $50 under Sec. 4-9), seizure, and impoundment. Inherently dangerous animals kept in violation of Article XII carry additional penalties and mandatory safe-confinement
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