Forsyth County Sec. 6-54 makes it unlawful for any person or business to possess, harbor, or have an inherently dangerous exotic mammal, an inherently dangerous reptile, or a wild animal. Only carnivals, circuses, pet shops, zoos, veterinarians, and permitted wildlife rehabilitators are exempt.
Sec. 6-54 (Possession of Inherently Dangerous Exotic Animals and Wild Animals Prohibited) bars keeping venomous and dangerous exotic species in the county. Exemptions apply only to lawfully operated carnivals and circuses, lawfully operated pet shops, zoos, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitators with proper permits. This is one of the most serious offenses in the animal code. North Carolina also regulates possession of native wildlife through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and separate rabies and cruelty rules apply. Ordinary domestic pets are not affected, but dangerous or wild species cannot be kept as pets within the county.
A violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500 (Sec. 6-55(a)), plus the civil citation schedule ($50 first offense up to $500 and seizure for the fifth and successive). The animal may be
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