09/03/2025
Don't tread on me
UPDATE 9/5/25: Note that the link to the animal ordinance draft posted for the September 8 meeting is different from what was previously released. The draft posted on the agenda strikes section 92.12 regarding “Exotic Animals” and does not replace it. The draft reads, “SECTION 92.12 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED” (see page marked 17 of 25) and then provides no replacement. You can read the agenda and find the linked draft on the Lincoln County website at https://www.lincolncountync.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082025-182. It is agenda item 6. Unfortunately, it is not clear if the Commissioners will discuss “exotic animals” on September 8 or not, but we do know that the posted draft animal ordinance does not include a new exotic animal section. Animal owners in Lincoln County should contact the Commissioners to ask what is happening.
UPDATE 9/2/25: The draft has been released, and a meeting has been set for Monday, September 8. Get full details, sample letter, full draft, and more at www.usark.org/25nc
Some common pet species are banned, including ferrets (entire Family Mustelidae banned without exemptions), sugar gliders (entire Order Marsupialia banned without exemptions), and Emperor scorpions (entire Order Scorpionida banned without exemptions). For reptiles, Rock iguanas, venomous reptiles, boas over 8′, crocodilians, water monitors, and crocodile monitors are banned (possibly others, see full alert). Some common pets are listed as “exempted animals," but not all common pets are exempt.
Another problem with the draft is that it has a banned list that states, “include, but are not limited to,” meaning additional species may be labeled as “dangerous exotic animals” based upon the determination of any enforcement officer or other official. There is also an “exempted animals” list. This means that any species not listed in one of those two lists is in a grey area and open to interpretation of where it falls. There is also no grandfather exemption. Note that there are many changes to the dog regulations, too.
