Wake County Code Ch. 91 (Animals) gives Animal Services authority over exotic and dangerous animals. NC General Statute §14-417 also requires registration of large constrictors and venomous reptiles statewide. Wake County does not separately permit private ownership of inherently dangerous wildlife.
North Carolina state law (NCGS §14-416 through §14-422) governs the inherently dangerous reptiles list — venomous reptiles and large constricting snakes (over 12 ft or 25 lbs) require registration with the local animal-control agency. In Wake County, Animal Services handles those registrations under Ch. 91. Exotic mammals (large cats, primates, bears) are prohibited from being kept as pets in most jurisdictions; Wake County relies on state wildlife law (NCGS Ch. 113) and federal Lacey Act prohibitions. The County also enforces its own nuisance and confinement rules under §91.08 and §91.12 (dangerous-dog confinement) against any animal causing risk.
Failure to register reptiles under NCGS §14-417 is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Animals kept in violation may be seized. Wake County may impose civil penalties under Ch. 91 in addition.
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See how Wake County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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