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1. Why was there a need for a Comprehensive Animal Services Ordinance?

Previously Pitt County had 4 stand alone ordinances concerning animals in Pitt County. We feel this is confusing to citizens and it would be much easier to understand and locate information concerning the laws and regulations concerning domesticated animals in Pitt County if it was all in one document.  This comprehensive ordinance also ensures all enforcement actions to include fines are standardized.

2. What are the major changes in this Ordinance from what was previously in effect?

Added are clear definitions as well as a section on Large Commercial Dog Breeders and the owning of exotic animals.  The nuisance ordinance was also eliminated.  The Nuisance Ordinance we presently have was hard to enforce and feel we can do a better job addressing the nuisance behavior by the other ordinances such as Canine Control, Dangerous Dog, and Neglect.  Also under Section 4 there are no longer 3 definitions of Dangerous Dog- the Potentially Dangerous Dog definition has been eliminated due to duplication and now just allow for Dangerous Dog or Vicious Dog that can be determined if qualifications are met. 

3. Is there a tethering ban in this Ordinance?

There is not a ban on the tethering of an animal: however, a humane standard of keeping animals is addressed under Section 2. Cruel Treatment to Animals

4. Does this new ordinance change any rules or regulations as it concerns to hunters?

The only change that could possibly affect hunters Section 5 with regards to Large Commercial Breeders which is defined as “any person, persons, partnership or corporation that owns, has custody of, or maintains 10 or more female dogs or 10 or more female cats for the purpose of breeding offspring to sell or trade.

5. If I currently own exotic animals do I have to move or get rid of my animals?

No, there will be a 1 year waiting period to allow time for those currently owning exotic animals to acquire a proper permit. After the 1 year period the ownership of exotic animals will not be allowed unless the owner received a prior permit from the Pitt County Animal Services Department. Dangerous Exotic Animal is defined as: Exotic, or wild animals which belong to the Panthera genus venomous amphibians, venomous reptiles, non-venomous reptiles weighing over 50 pounds at maturity and wolves.” Unpermitted exotic animals will be banned beginning November 20, 2018.

6. Why the need for a Large Commercial Breeder Ordinance?

North Carolina and especially Pitt County is a place where many breeders choose to locate to operate their businesses due to lack of regulations. It is our desire that all animals in Pitt County are treated and cared for humanely and for citizens to be sold healthy animals. The standards set forth for those that qualify are the same standards that North Carolina law establishes for all animal shelters in Pitt County. We feel these rules and regulations are reasonable and the annual permit fee of $50 is not excessive. These rules and regulations go into effect on November 20, 2018.