Franklin County, NC Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Sec. 6-1 defines an exotic animal as any animal not indigenous to North Carolina that is a carnivore, primate, or poisonous snake or other venomous animal, unless it already qualifies as a domestic animal or inherently dangerous mammal. Sec. 6-10(a) makes it unlawful for any owner to keep an exotic animal within Franklin County unless it is confined within a secure enclosure approved by the Animal Services Director, or is being transported for veterinary care, sale, or humane destruction while securely muzzled and under restraint by a competent handler using a leash, chain, rope or similar device that keeps the animal firmly controlled at all times.

A secure enclosure, per Sec. 6-1, must be humane: it must stay dry, be ventilated, promote heat retention, and give the animal room to turn around and lie down comfortably, and it must keep out anyone younger than eight years old. A home, mobile home, or separate garage does not count as a secure enclosure. Any exotic animal not properly confined or restrained, or that has injured or endangered a person, domestic animal or pet, may be confiscated and impounded at the owner's expense under Sec.

6-10(b). If the animal escapes county custody or escapes elsewhere and enters Franklin County, the owner must reimburse the county for all recapture costs, and for sheltering or humane destruction costs if that becomes necessary under Sec. 6-10(c).