In Article 10 of the Carrboro ordinances, the term "wild or exotic animal" is defined as, "an animal (other than livestock) that is typically found in a non-domesticated state, and that, because of its size or vicious propensity or because it is poisonous ... poses a potential danger."
The need for the regulation arose when a local group approached the board with concerns about the lack of laws banning the presence of such animals in Carrboro.
In response, the alderman chose to pass a formal ordinance.
"The town of Carrboro wanted to go on the record as being against this show of animals," said Alderman Diana McDuffee.
Alderman Joal Broun said Carrboro needs to match the rest of Orange County in its animal regulations. "We also brought (the ordinance) so that it would match current Orange County bans," she said.
Orange County Animal Control officers will be mainly responsible for enforcing the new ordinance, although Article 10 allows the Carrboro town manager to assign other administrators to handle cases when necessary.
Also amended to Article 10 was a clause forbidding noises such as barking, whining or howling for more than five minutes and on three instances between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Violators of the ordinance will be forced to remove their animals from Carrboro and be penalized with a minimum $25 fine. Upon second offense, the fine is increased to $50, and following violation fees continue increasing by $25 intervals.
Other possible revisions discussed by the aldermen include the prohibition of dangerous or potentially harmful dogs.
