PART II: GENERAL LEGISLATION

The following terms are defined for purposes of this Chapter:

(1)Adequate Food - The provision at suitable intervals, not to exceed 24 hours, of a quantity of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the species and age, sufficient to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition for the animal.

(2)Adequate Shelter- Proper and adequate shelter that will protect the animal from adverse weather and will allow the animal to stand, sit, and lie down without restriction and is kept humanely clean and sanitary.

(3)Adequate Water - The access to a sufficient supply of clean, fresh water provided at suitable intervals for the animal's physical needs and the climatic conditions.

(4)Adoption- the legal taking of ownership voluntarily and accepting all responsibilities and liabilities therein.

(5)Adult - A person 18 years of age or older who has not been judicially declared incompetent.

(6)Animal Enforcement Officer - Officers from local municipalities, the Sheriff’s Department or the Sheriff’s designee charged with the enforcement of the State Animal Laws, Local Animal Ordinance and the regulation of animals and animal owners within both incorporated and unincorporated sections of Henderson County.

(7) Animal Services Center - The County Animal Shelter, and any other designated facilities, operated and maintained by the County for the purpose of impounding animals under the authority of this Chapter or the General Statutes for care, confinement, return to owner, adoption or euthanasia.

(8)Animal Services Director - The director placed in supervision of the Animal Services Center.

(9)At Large - An animal when:

                                a.             Not on the owner’s property,

                                b.             Not under control of a competent person or unrestrained by a leash or harness, or

                                c.             Not controlled by other similar physical means.

(10)Cat - A domestic feline of either sex.

(11)Companion Animal - Any dog, cat, or ferret.

(12)Competent Person -  A legally competent person of suitable age and discretion to keep an animal under sufficient control in order to prevent harm to the animal, humans, other animals or property.

(13)County - Henderson County, North Carolina

(14)Local Health Director - Director of the Henderson County Department of Public Health.

(15)Dangerous/Potentially Dangerous Dog - Any dog whose behavior constitutes a risk of severely injuring or killing a human domestic animal or livestock; or which, by demonstrated behavior, is commonly accepted as dangerous. The following criteria shall be used in identifying a dangerous dog:

                                a.             A dog that, without provocation, has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person.

                                b.             Any dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting, or any dog trained for dog fighting.

                                c.             A dog that is determined hereunder to be potentially dangerous because the dog has engaged in one (1) or more behaviors listed  below. The following criteria shall be used in identifying a potentially dangerous dog:

                                                1.             A dog that has inflicted a bite on a person that resulted in broken bones, disfiguring lacerations, or requiring surgery or  hospitalization.

                                                2.             A dog that has killed or inflicted severe injury upon a domestic animal or livestock when not on the owner's real property.

                                                3.             A dog that has approached a person when not on the owner's property in an apparent attitude of attack.

                              d.             A dog shall not be deemed dangerous solely because it bites, attacks, or menaces:

                                                1.             Anyone assaulting or threatening the owner or trespassing on the owner's property;

                                                2.             Any person or other animal that has provoked, tormented, or abused it;                                                                                                or

                                                3.             While protecting or defending its young.

(16)Day - A period of 24 hours, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

(17)Department - The County Animal Services Center and Animal Enforcement.

(18)Dog - A canine of either sex.

(19)Domestic Animal - Any animal whose physiology has been determined or manipulated through selective breeding which does not occur naturally in the wild, or which can be vaccinated against  rabies with an approved rabies vaccine, and which has an established rabies quarantine observation period.

(20)Euthanasia - The causing of death in any animal by using any humane method approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association or the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association.

(21)Exposed to Rabies - An animal or human bitten by or exposed to the saliva or neural tissue of any animal known or suspected to have been infected with rabies.

(22)Frivolous - Any complaint which is filed more than 3 times by 1 person or common household within a period of 48 hours; and in which such complaint is clearly insufficient on its face and is brought about with the intent to embarrass, disturb, harass, or otherwise annoy.

(23)General Statutes - The North Carolina General Statutes, as amended.

(24)Harboring an Animal - Feeding or sheltering an animal 7 days or more unless the animal is being boarded for a fee at a licensed kennel.

(25)Haven - A nonprofit organization that provides care for an animal (same as “Rescue”).  A haven must comply with the companion animal registry program unless it falls under state law.

(26)Hybrid ‐ A "hybrid” is an animal which is the product of the breeding of a domesticated animal with a non‐domesticated animal, but not including wolves.

(27)Impound - To apprehend, seize, catch, trap, net, quarantine, tranquilize, or confine an animal in a humane manner.

(28)Incorporated Area - Any area located within any incorporated municipality located wholly or in part within the County.

(29)Inherently Dangerous Animal- Any live animal, including hybrids, which due to their inherent nature, may be considered dangerous to humans and include but is not limited to:

                                a.            Canidae, including any member of the dog (canid) family not customarily domesticated by man, or any hybrids thereof, but not including either domestic
                                                dogs (Canis Familiaris) or hybrids of domestic dogs and wolves.

                                b.            Felidae, including any member of the cat family weighing over 15 pounds not customarily domesticated by man, or any hybrids thereof, but not including domestic cats (Felis catus).

                                c.             Ursidae, including any member of the bear family, or any hybrids thereof.

                                d.             Venomous Reptiles.

(30)Livestock - A term for animals that shall include, but shall not be limited to, equine animals, bovine animals, sheep, goats, llamas, fowl and swine.  This does not include animals defined as “Domestic”.

(31)Microchip - An electronic identification device that is intended to be implanted within an animal.

(32)Owner - Any person, group of persons, firm, partnership, corporation, organization, or association owning, keeping or harboring; or any person who shelters, feeds, or takes care of an animal for 7 or more consecutive days unless said animal has been boarded animal is being boarded  per written contract. An occupant of any premises on which a dog, cat or ferret remains or customarily returns is an owner under this Chapter. If a person under the age of 18 years is an owner subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the head of the household in which such person under the age of 18 years resides shall also be an owner under this Chapter and therefore subject to prosecution under this Chapter. Such household head may himself or herself be under the age of 18 years. If not a member of a household, a person under the age of 18 years shall himself be the responsible person. There may be more than 1 owner responsible for an animal.

(33)Owner's Real Property - Any real property owned or leased by the owner, but not including any public right-of-way or common area.

(34)Pet Shop - Any person, partnership or establishment engaging in the commercial enterprise to acquire animals for the purpose of resale or trade.  Pet shops must possess a current license from the State Department of Agriculture.

(35)Provocation - With respect to an animal that has bitten or attacked a person, domestic animal or livestock, that the animal was physically abused such as hit, kicked, agitated or teased, struck by a person with an object or part of a person’s body, or that any part of the animal’s body is  pulled, pinched, or squeezed by a person or the animal was physically threatened.

(36)Public Nuisance – an animal that:

                               a.     Frequently runs at large as determined by one verbal or written warning or citation,

                               b.     Damages, soils, or defecates on private property other than property possessed or controlled by the animal owner or on public walks and recreation areas unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the animal owner or handler.

                             c.     Causes unsanitary or unsafe conditions;

                             d.     Causes a disturbance by excessive barking or other noisemaking; or chases vehicles, or molests, or interferes with persons or other domestic animals on public property including public roads adjacent to the owner’s property as determined by more than one verbal or written warning.

(37)Quarantine Order - An order issued by the local health director to secure any dog, cat or other animal specified by state law which has bitten a person for a mandatory 10 day observation period as required by N.C.G.S. 130A-196 to 199.  Quarantine orders may also be issued for up to 6 months when a domestic animal suffers a rabies exposure.

(38)Rabies Exposure - Any bite or other event in which a person or animal has been suspected of coming in contact with the saliva or nervous tissue of an animal possibly having rabies.

(39)Secure Enclosure - An enclosure, including a house, from which an animal cannot escape unless freed by the owner. An Animal Enforcement Officer, in his/her discretion, may determine whether or not there is a secure enclosure on the premises.

(40)Stray - A domestic animal within the County wandering at large or lost or which does not bear evidence of the identification of any owner or whose owner cannot be found.

(41)Suspected of Having Rabies -– An animal that has bitten, or exposed saliva or  nervous tissue to, a person or another animal; or a wild animal that has bitten a person or domestic animal.

(42)Trespass - Wrongful invasion of the property of another.

(43)Unaltered - An animal that has not been spayed or neutered.

(44)Unfounded - Any complaint without merit or validity and in which a reasonable and prudent person would find a lack of merit or validity readily apparent.

(45)Unincorporated Area - Any area of the County not within an incorporated area.

(45A) Unlawful – As used herein, the phrase "it shall be unlawful" shall be interpreted to denote a misdemeanor violation pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-4, with a maximum fine of $50 per violation unless otherwise stated, in addition to any civil penalties set forth in this Chapter.

(46)Vaccination - The administration of the rabies vaccine as required by N.C.G.S 130A-185.

(47)Wild - An animal living in a state of nature; not tamed or domesticated.  This also includes but is not limited to feral cats.

1. Purpose. As determined by state law, the Animal Services Center:
   1. Prevent the abuse and neglect of animals (N.C.G.S. 153A-127);
   2. Protect the public health, safety, and welfare (N.C.G.S. 153A-121);
   3. Enforce regulations regarding the possession or harboring of dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs (N.C.G.S. 153A-131);
   4. Protect the public and domestic animals from rabies (N.C.G.S. 130A-185);
   5. Educate the public regarding proper care for animals.
2. This article is adopted pursuant to the power granted the County in N.C.G.S. 153A-121, 153A-127, 153A-153 and 153A-442. This Chapter shall apply to all unincorporated areas of the County and to those incorporated areas of any city or town specifically requesting its enforcement by the County upon the consent of the County Board of Commissioners. This request must be in writing in the form of a resolution approved by the governing body. (In making such a request, the city or town must comply with the requirements of N.C.G.S. 153A-122.) The provisions of this article shall be enforced by the Sheriff of Henderson County.
3. The County may contract annually with any municipality located within the County to enforce any animal restraint ordinance ("leash law") adopted by such municipality, on such terms and conditions (including the acceptability of the terms of such restraint ordinance) as are deemed advisable. Such contract shall require any such municipality to reimburse to the County all the costs associated with the enforcement of such a restraint ordinance. Henderson County shall not enforce any municipal leash or animal related laws in the municipality without a contractual agreement between the County and the municipality.

The County Animal Service Advisory Committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners based on animal-related ordinances or policies and shall assist in establishing policies and procedures for the Animal Service Center. The Board may undertake the study of particular areas under their authority in order to advise Henderson County staff and Board of Commissioners.

The County Animal Service Advisory Committee, or a duly appointed subcommittee thereof, shall act as the Animal Service Appellate Board and hear all appeals under the Henderson County Animal Ordinance when permitted by State law. Appeals governed by state law shall go to the court of appropriate jurisdiction

1. Duties and responsibilities of Animal Services Director:
   1. Enforcing all County ordinances relating to the care, custody and control of domestic animals.
   2. Operating the County Animal Service Center pursuant to policies adopted by the County Board of Commissioners.
   3. Keeping, or causing to be kept, accurate and detailed records of:
      
      1.        Impoundment and disposition of all animals coming into custody of the Animal Service Center.
      2.        All monies derived from fees and penalties.
      3.        Any other matters deemed necessary by the Animal Services Director.
2. Duties and responsibilities of Animal Enforcement.

            (1)      Enforcing all County ordinances relating to the care, custody and control of domestic animals.

                        a.      Investigating all reported animal bites or other human physical contact with a suspected rabid animal, enforcing quarantine ordered for any dog or cat (ferret?) involved and        submitting bite reports and reports of human contacts to the local health director.

           (2)      Investigating complaints with regard to animals arising under this chapter.

           (3)      Protecting animals from neglect; investigating animal mistreatment, as defined in §16-11.

           (4)      Subject to the provisions of N.C.G.S §19A-70, Seizing and arranging for impoundment, where deemed necessary, of any animal involved in a violation of this Ordinance or the General  Statutes.

           (5)      Keeping, or causing to be kept, accurate and detailed records of:

                       a.      Seizure, impoundment, and disposition of all animals coming into custody of the Animal Service Center.

                       b.     Bite cases, violations and complaints, and investigation of same, including names and addresses of persons bitten, date, circumstances, and breed.

                       c.      All monies derived from fees and civil penalties.

                       d.      Any other matters deemed necessary by the Sheriff.

The Animal Service Director, Animal Enforcement Officers, Sheriff, and Sheriff's Deputies of the County may issue citations to any person who has violated provisions of this chapter, in accordance with §16-19.

Animal Enforcement Officers and Animal Services employees are authorized to store at the Animal Service Center tranquilizer guns approved for use and to use such tranquilizer guns when necessary to enforce sections of this Chapter or applicable laws for control of wild, dangerous, or diseased animals.

1. Interference. It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with, hinder, molest, resist or obstruct any employee or agent of the Department in the performance of any duty authorized by law or ordinance, or to seek to release any domestic animal in the custody of such employees or agents (including from traps, cages, or other enclosures) except as specifically provided or authorized by the Department.

2. Concealment of dogs and cats. It shall be unlawful for any person to conceal, for the purpose of evading the rabies vaccination or dangerous dog/ potentially dangerous dog requirement of the law, any unlicensed (if licensing requirement adopted) or unvaccinated dog or cat from any employee or agent of the Department.

3. Filing false reports. It shall be unlawful for any person to file a false report with the Department of Animal Control, or to provide false information to an officer involving any investigation of any reported violation of this article. Any person found violating this provision shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500.

4. Frivolous or unfounded complaints. It shall be unlawful for any person to repeatedly file frivolous or unfounded complaints with the Department of Animal Control in order to intimidate or harass any member of the department or any animal owner, or to otherwise hinder or interfere with any function of the Department of Animal Control. Any person found violating this provision shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500.

5. Surrender or Reclaim any animal. It shall be unlawful for any person to impound, surrender or reclaim any animal under false pretense that may hinder the ability of any employee or agent of Henderson County to perform duties mandated by law or departmental policy. Any person found violating this provision shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be issued a citation of $500.

1. Animal care constituting a nuisance. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, or maintain a companion animal in such a manner as to constitute a public nuisance as defined herein.
   1. Maintaining animals in an unsanitary environment that results in odors considered excessive to a reasonable person; or, in an environment that is dangerous to the animal or to the public health, safety, welfare; or failure to maintain a condition of good order and cleanliness that reduces the probability of transmission of disease.
   2. Maintaining the owner’s property in a manner that is offensive, annoying or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare of the community because of the number, type, variety, density, or location of animals on the property. This includes the keeping, possessing, or harboring of wild or feral animals that threaten the public health, safety or welfare.
   3. Maintaining an animal that is diseased and dangerous to the public health.
   4. Harboring, keeping, owning, or possessing an animal that is at large or is repeatedly at large.
2. Animal behavior constituting a nuisance. It shall be unlawful for an owner to permit an animal to habitually do the following, but not limited to: chases bicycles, motor vehicles or pedestrians, damages private or public property, turns over garbage cans, deposits feces on another's private property or on public property, or an animal running at-large. The prohibition against running at- large does not apply to animals in designated off-leash areas.
3. In addition to any other enforcement remedies available under this Chapter, if an Animal Enforcement Officer determines an animal to be a nuisance under this section, then such officer is authorized to order the owner to confine such animal in accordance with the Animal Enforcement Officer's instructions, including a permanent above-ground fence or tethering or chaining inside a fence; this does not include natural barriers. It shall be unlawful for the owner to fail to comply with such an order or with the instructions in the order. In addition, any animal determined to be a nuisance under this section must be micro chipped within 10 days of the nuisance determination. Animal Enforcement is allowed to make periodic inspections.
4. Animal Owners, where nuisances have been determined, shall be notified and ordered to abate said nuisance within 5 days by whatever means necessary. Failure to comply within this time frame shall constitute a separate offense for each day thereafter. No civil penalty shall accrue during the 5 day warning period.
5. Reporting. Upon receipt of a detailed complaint to Animal Enforcement, the owner shall be notified by certified or registered mail or by hand delivery.
6. Appeal. The owner shall have 3 days to appeal the nuisance determination to the Animal Services Appellate Board.
7. Nothing in this provision is intended to conflict with the Henderson County Nuisance Ordinance, Noise Ordinance or other applicable section of the Henderson County Code.
8. In addition, any animal determined to be a nuisance under this section must be micro chipped at the owner’s expense within 5 days of the nuisance determination or appeal determination.

Any owner of a female dog during its estrus (heat) period shall confine said animal in a building or secure enclosure in such a manner that the dog will not be in contact with male dogs, or attract other animals. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the intentional breeding of animals within an enclosed area on the premises of the owner of the animal that is being bred.

1. General provisions. It shall be unlawful for any person to own or in any way maintain or harbor a dog that is dangerous/potentially dangerous, except as provided in this Chapter. Notwithstanding any exemption listed below, any dog which has killed a person shall be immediately euthanized by the Animal Service Center.
   1. Reporting requirement. Any attack or biting by a dog upon a person, livestock, or domestic animal; transfer, gift, sale or other conveyance of ownership or possession of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog; confinement to a Veterinary facility; removal from territorial jurisdiction of the county; animal’s death must be reported by any of the following individuals:
      
      1. owner, keeper, harborer of a dog deemed dangerous/ potentially dangerous or of a dog who has attacked or bitten a person or domestic animal;
      2. victim of or person witnessing such of an attack or biting;
      3. veterinarian treating a domestic animal for such an attack or biting;
      4. Health care professional treating a person for such an attack or biting.
   2. The report must be made to the Sheriff’s Office within 24 hours of the event.
   3. Failure to report an incident within 24 hours may result in criminal and civil penalties under this Ordinance and personal liability in subsequent incidents.
2. Exemptions. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to dogs causing injuries when:
   1. Used by law enforcement agencies to carry out official law enforcement duties;
   2. Functioning lawfully as hunting or herding dogs, or in controlling predators on the property of, or under control of, the owner when performing duties appropriate to said functions;
   3. Protecting the owner or owner's premises from trespassers and other criminal perpetrators while on its owner's premises;
   4. Protecting itself or its young from assault, torment, or abuse.
3. Declaration of dangerous/potentially dangerous dog. The Sheriff or his/her designee shall have the authority to declare a dog to be a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog. Any determination that a dog is dangerous/potentially dangerous shall be made in writing summarizing the available evidence and which shall be delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail to the owner. The written determinations shall order compliance with the appropriate provisions of this ordinance and may impose reasonable conditions to maintain the public health and safety.
4. Appeal. Any person who owns a dog that has been declared dangerous/potentially dangerous shall have the right to appeal this decision to the Animal Services Appellate Board.
   1. Manner of appeal. The owner of a dog declared dangerous/potentially dangerous must request an appeal of the determination in writing. The written appeal must be submitted to the Animal Service Director, and must be received by the Animal Service Director or postmarked within 5 calendar days of the receipt by the owner of notice of the declaration.
   2. Pending the appeal, the owner of a dog declared dangerous/potentially dangerous shall comply with the provisions of § 16-10E.
   3. Hearing procedures. Once properly appealed, the Animal Service Appellate Board shall conduct a public quasi-judicial hearing to determine whether the declaration of the animal as dangerous/potentially dangerous is correct.
   4. Outcome. If the dog is affirmed by the Animal Service Appellate Board as being dangerous/potentially dangerous, then the owner shall comply with the terms of § 16- 10E, F, G. Any person who owns a dog affirmed dangerous/potentially dangerous by the Animal Service Appellate Board or its designee has the right to appeal this determination to the Superior Court.
5. Enclosures and control measures for dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs. If a dog has been determined to be dangerous/potentially dangerous, as specified in this section, the dog may be retained upon the owner satisfying the following conditions:
   1. The owner must insure that the dog at all times on and off the owner’s property remains securely enclosed as per the Ordinance or controlled and muzzled as described below. Failure to do so shall subject the owner to penalty under this chapter:
      
      1. Confine the dog within the owner's residence; or,

      2. Erect and confine the dog (except when muzzled and controlled as required below), within 30 days in a securely enclosed and padlocked pen with a concrete bottom and secure top. The structure must be secured by a child-resistant lock. Pending construction of such pen, the dog must be confined within the owner's residence; or

      3. The animal must be muzzled and under restraint by a competent person who, by means of a leash or chain, has such animal firmly under physical restraint at all times when not in a secure building or enclosure..  The muzzle must be of the appropriate size for the animal, and must be of a type and model approved in advance by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, and must be in good repair.  In approving or disapproving of a particular muzzle, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office shall take into account the size and demonstrated behavior of the dog, and the potential for injury in case of a failure of appropriate muzzling.
      4. Any dog deemed dangerous shall not be permitted in public recreation areas, including dog parks, parks or greenways.
   2. The owner must post a warning sign, of at least 120 square inches, which is to be visible to any adjoining property from each exposure of the residence or the structure in which the dangerous/potentially dangerous dog is confined. Each sign must have an approved graphic representation of an appropriate animal such that the dangerousness of the animal is communicated to those who cannot read, including young children.
   3. Microchip. Within 10 days of the determination or appeal determination, the owner of a dangerous/ potentially dangerous dog must demonstrate to the Animal Enforcement that such dog had a microchip implanted.
   4. Inspection. Animal Enforcement shall cause periodic inspections to be made of the premises where the dangerous/potentially dangerous dog is kept to assure compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance. The owner must permit these inspections at any reasonable time without notice to the owner from the Animal Enforcement Officers.
   5. Control Measures.
      
      1. All control measures required by this section must be met immediately upon the determination that the animal is dangerous/potentially dangerous except for the construction of the enclosure discussed in section 1(b) of this provision. The Owner has 30 days to construct the enclosure during which time the animal must be confined indoors and may only be permitted outside under the control of a competent person by leash and the animal must be muzzled. Failure to meet all control measures may result in the immediate impoundment of the animal and civil and criminal penalties.
      2. If the owner has no place to keep the animal while the structure is being constructed, the animal may be kept at the Animal Services Center or at a private establishment approved by Animal Enforcement at the owner’s expense.
6. Notification. Within 24 hours:
   1. Of change of address or ownership of a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog, the owner shall provide written notification of the change of address or ownership to the Sheriff, stating the full name if there’s a new owner, address, and location of the new owner of the dog.
   2. Of the death of a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog, the owner shall provide written notification of the dog's death to the Sheriff.
7. Notification prior to transfer. Prior to any transfer to a new owner (with or without consideration) of a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog, the owner must provide to the Sheriff a written statement, signed before a notary by the transferee (on a form obtained from the Animal Service Center), indicating the transferee's understanding of the transferee's obligations hereunder as an owner of a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog. If the dangerous or potentially dangerous dog is being transferred out of Henderson County or out of North Carolina,
   1. The owner of the animal must notify the Sheriff and the new jurisdiction to which the animal is being moved that this dog has been deemed a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog;
   2. The Sheriff also shall notify the new jurisdiction that the animal has been deemed dangerous and the circumstances surrounding the case.
   3. The owner must comply with any local regulations regarding dangerous dogs in the new location.
8. Immediate impoundment. Any dangerous/potentially dangerous dog kept in violation of this section may be immediately impounded upon issuance of any warrant for the same, pending the outcome of the criminal action. If the owner is convicted of a criminal offense of keeping a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog in violation of this section, in addition to any criminal penalties imposed, the Animal Services Director or his/her designee may euthanize the dog. Nothing herein shall be construed to in any way limit the use of civil penalties for a violation of this section.
   1. Cost of impoundment. Costs of impoundment at the Animal Services Center shall be paid by the owner or the person liable for the animal at a daily rate as determined by the County. In instances where the Animal Services Center must impound the animal(s) at a private facility or kennel, the person liable for the animal will pay the rate established by those facilities.
   2. Release from impoundment.
      
      1. No dog deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous who has been impounded by the Animal Services Center shall be released to the owner from impoundment except upon proof submitted by the owner or person liable for the animal that all the elements of this Ordinance have been met as verified by Animal Enforcement. This shall not apply in instances where criminal charges have been brought against the owner.
      2. If criminal charges have been brought against the owner for failure to comply with this Ordinance or for interference with the operations of the Animal Services Center, no dog deemed dangerous shall be released from Animal Services until determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. During this time while the dog is impounded, it cannot be euthanized and the cost of impoundment shall be charged to the owner.
      3. No dog deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous may be adopted.
      4. All dogs deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous must be altered within 30 days of the determination.

It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping or responsible for an animal to deprive, or cause the animal to be deprived of adequate food, adequate water, adequate shelter (as defined above in 16-1) and necessary medical attention.

1. Necessary medical attention. No person owning, keeping, or responsible for an animal shall fail to supply the animal with necessary medical attention or vaccines when the animal suffers from illness, injury or disease.
2. Adequate Shelter.
   1. When confinement prohibited. No animal may intentionally be confined in a building, enclosure, car, boat, vehicle or vessel of any kind when to do so would expose the animal to heat or cold harmful to its health.
   2. Standards for chaining. No animal may be chained outdoors unattended without a chain/cable of suitable length designed and placed to prevent choking or strangulation, with the area free of obstacles and humanely clean so that the animal may have access to food, water, and shelter. It shall be illegal to tether, chain, stake out, tie up or otherwise similarly restrict any and all birds unless a certified wildlife rehabilitation facility.
3. An owner of an animal shall not permit injury or inflict pain upon such animal from an improperly fitting or embedded collar or harness.
4. It shall be illegal to own, keep, or harbor an animal for the purpose of fighting other animals; or attacking other animals or people except for protecting the owner or owner’s real property. It shall be illegal to sponsor, promote, organize animal fights, train animals for fighting, or provide animals for fighting including but not limited to dog fighting and cock fighting. Evidence of training animals to fight shall include but not be limited to: alterations to the animal for fighting such as removing spurs or a comb; tying animals to antagonize them and the discovery of a fighting ring or location.
5. An owner of an animal shall not hit, physically abuse, or torment the animal.

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, a dog or cat that cannot be seized by reasonable and normal means, trapped in a humane, live-capture animal trap, or tranquilized, may be humanely destroyed in the field by the Sheriff or other law enforcement officers.
2. Vicious, dangerous/potentially dangerous animals so designated, wild animals, or an animal attacking a human being, another pet, or livestock may be immediately destroyed, if such destruction is necessary for the protection of the public health and safety or that of County staff.

1. In general. Any animal found being mistreated or kept under unsanitary or inhumane conditions, as provided in § 16-11; any animal found to be a public nuisance, as provided in § 16-8; or any dog or cat found to be not wearing a currently valid rabies vaccination tag off the owner’s property as required shall be seized, impounded, and confined by the Animal Enforcement Officer and confined in the Animal Services Center in a humane manner. Impoundment of such animal shall not relieve the owner thereof of any penalty which may be imposed for violation of any provision of this Chapter occurring prior to the date of the impoundment.
2. Notice to owner. Immediately upon impounding an animal, the Sheriff or his designee, shall make reasonable efforts to notify the owner and inform such owner of the conditions whereby the animal may be redeemed.
3. Redemption by owner. The owner of an animal impounded under this Chapter may redeem the animal and regain possession thereof in accordance with the rules and fees set by the Board of County Commissioners in the policies for operation of the County Animal Services Center and by complying with all applicable provisions of this Chapter and by paying all fees and civil penalties due. Fee rates shall be available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners and at the Animal Services Center. The owner of the impounded animal shall be liable for the daily cost of impoundment to the Animal Services Center, as established in the fee schedule. The owner must have proof of current rabies vaccination or purchase a rabies vaccine voucher. The owner of any dogs and cats impounded for running at large in the county without a microchip or those impounded for mistreatment must purchase a voucher for microchip installation prior to release at the owner’s expense unless there is a pending criminal action in the matter. All fees and expenses must be paid prior to the release of the animal. Animal and owner must be in compliance with state and federal law prior to redemption.
4. Adoption or euthanasia of unredeemed dog or cat.
   1. If any impounded stray dog or cat or abandoned animal is not redeemed by the owner within 72 hours of impoundment, then such animal may be offered for adoption or destroyed in a humane manner. Animals that are voluntarily turned over to the Animal Services Center by the owner may be adopted or if adoption attempts are unsuccessful within a reasonable period (or immediately if in the opinion of the Animal Services Director adoption efforts would be fruitless or in violation of this Chapter), are subject to euthanasia.
   2. No animal owner may be permitted to claim his/her animal under the provisions of this section unless and until he/she shall comply with the provisions of the policies of the County Animal Services Center.
   3. All unaltered dogs and cats adopted from the Animal Services Center shall be spayed or neutered. This shall occur prior to adoption; or, with a voucher and/or deposit to use their own veterinarian within 30 days of adoption; or, when medically appropriate, additional penalties may be applied.
   4. All dogs and cats adopted from the Animal Services Center that do not already have implanted in them a microchip shall have a microchip at time of adoption or when the animal goes for spay or neuter surgery. This microchip shall be at the owner’s expense.
   5. All dogs and cats adopted from the Animal Services Center shall have proof of current rabies vaccination or purchase of a rabies vaccine voucher, prior to adoption.
   6. Adoption Exceptions.
      
      1. The Animal Services Center has the right to refuse adoption of animals to persons less than 18 years of age.
      2. The Animal Services Center has the right to refuse adoption of animals to persons or organizations who have been cited for violations or where there is reasonable evidence of a violation previously under this Ordinance or state law.
      3. The Animal Services Center has the right to change an animals’ ownership to a qualified non-profit organization that meets the Center’s policy.
      4. The Animal Services Center has the right to refuse adoption of animals to any individual who has relinquished an animal within the last 12 months.
      5. The Animal Services Center has the right to refuse the adoption of dogs deemed aggressive, dangerous/ potentially dangerous by persons, organizations, or establishments and Animal Services will ensure the new owner(s) has met the requirements under this Ordinance for control measures and enclosures.
   7. Fee Schedule for Impoundment/Adoption of Animals shall be established by the Board of Commissioners within the annual approved budget.
5. Suspected rabid dogs or cats are not to be redeemed or adopted. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, dogs or cats impounded which appear to be suffering from rabies shall not be redeemed or adopted but shall be dealt with in accordance with N.C.G.S. Chapter 130A.
6. Final disposition of all unclaimed animals shall be arranged for by the Animal Services Director. The Animal Services Director or designee shall retain sole authority to determine the final disposition of each animal in (its) custody once that animal becomes the property of the County of Henderson and shall not place any animal for adoption that is classified in this Chapter as prohibited.
7. The Animal Services Center will not adopt out any animal that demonstrates or has demonstrated aggressive behavior or any animal that appears to be unhealthy.

8.  Any agencies, organizations or individuals relinquishing or impounding an animal at Henderson County Animal Services Center shall

                  (1)           Provide accurate information pertaining to the animal’s origin or location found.

                  (2)           At time of surrender, any information must be provided that will permit Henderson County future contact with the relinquishing party.  

Owners wishing to relinquish animals in their possession may do so by delivering the same to the Animal Services Center. Such animals will be subject to the impoundment provisions set out in § 16-14, except that no attempt to contact the owner is required. Owners must also affirmatively represent in writing:

1. That he or she is the legal owner of the animal;
2. That the owner permits the animal to be placed for adoption or humanely destroyed;
3. That the owner will indemnify and hold the Animal Services Center and County harmless for fees, by reason of destruction of, or placement for adoption of, said animal;
4. That the owner transfers ownership of said animal to the Animal Services Center and releases the Department from any and all future claims with respect to said animal; and
5. Reason for surrender for data collection purposes and to notify potential adopted owners of any significant problems.
6. If owner decides they want animal back after relinquishing, all reclaim or adoptions fees may apply.

1. Proof of vaccination. Unless proof of a current rabies vaccination can be furnished, every person who redeems a dog or cat at the Animal Service Center must obtain (and pay the fee for) a rabies vaccination to be administered within the time period as set below or receive a citation for failure to vaccinate. Animals leaving the Animal Services Center must either have proof of current rabies vaccination or purchase of rabies vaccine voucher. Animals must be vaccinated after 4 months.
2. Payment. Payment for the rabies vaccination provided for in this section will be the responsibility of the person redeeming the dog or cat. The owner must pay all related fees and fines prior to the release of the animal including the receipt of a rabies voucher.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, any animal impounded which is badly wounded or diseased (not suspected of rabies) and has no identification shall be subject to euthanasia immediately upon approval of the Animal Services Director or his/her designee.  If the animal has identification, the Animal Services Center or Animal Enforcement Officer,  shall attempt to notify the owner before euthanizing such animal.

Nothing in this Chapter is intended to be in conflict with the General Statutes regulating, restricting, authorizing or otherwise affecting dogs while used in lawful hunting.

A.            Misdemeanor. The violation of any provision of this Chapter shall be a misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punishable as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-4. Each violation of this Chapter                      (or if a continuing violation, each day in which the violation continues) is a separate offense. Each violation for each animal is a separate offense.

 B.            Enforcement. Enforcement of this Chapter may include any appropriate equitable remedy, injunction or order of abatement issuing from a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to  N.C.G.S. 153A-123(d) and (e).

C.            Issuance of a  by seeking to have the owner insure compliance with this Chapter. The issuance of a citation hereunder shall not affect the prosecution of a violation hereof as a misdemeanor as provided above. A citation   shall:

                                (1)           Give notice of the violation(s) alleged of the owner;

                                (2)           State the civil penalties for such violation(s);

                                (3)           State the date by which any civil penalties for such violation(s) must be paid; and

                                (4)           State that the County may initiate after such date a civil action to collect the civil penalties which are and may become due.

D.            Civil fines. In addition to and independent of any criminal penalties and other sanctions   provided in this article, violations of this article may also subject the offender to the civil penalties hereinafter set forth.

                                (1)           The Animal Services Director, Animal Enforcement Officers, Sheriff, or Sheriff's Deputies may issue to the known owner of any animal, or to any other violator of the  provisions of this Chapter, a citation. Citations so issued may be delivered in person or  mailed by certified or registered mail to the person charged if that person cannot be readily found. The citation shall impose upon the violator a minimum civil penalty of $50 or such greater amounts for offenses as may be set by ordinance. The imposed civil penalty shall be paid in full to the charging agency within 30 days of receipt of the citation assessing the civil penalty. This civil penalty is in addition to other fees or costs authorized by this Chapter.

                                (2)           In the event that the owner of an animal or other alleged violator does not respond to the above-described citation, or the applicable civil penalty is not paid within the time period prescribed, a civil action may be commenced to recover the fine and costs associated with collection of  the fine, and/or a criminal summons may be issued against the owner or other alleged violator of this Chapter and upon conviction, the owner shall be punished as provided by state law. The charging agency is expressly authorized to initiate and prosecute small claims actions in District Court to collect civil penalties and fees due to the County of Henderson and may call on the County Legal Department for assistance as needed.

                                (3)           Each violation of this Ordinance is a separate fine.  Each day in violation and each animal kept in violation are considered separate offenses and may be fined for each individually.

                                (4)           The following civil penalties are hereby established for each incident violation of this Chapter:                                       

                   Section Violated                 Animal Service Civil Penalty Schedule Description                           Civil Penalty

                  *Citations shall impose upon the violator a minimum civil penalty of $50 or such greater amounts for offenses as may be set by ordinance.

                    16-7A                         Interference with Animal Enforcement Officer, or agent (per incident)                    $500

                    16-7B                         Concealment of an animal to evade ordinance (per day of violation)                      $100

                    16-7E                         Surrender or Reclaim Under False Pretense                                                                 $500

                   16-8                            Public nuisance :

                                                      First Violation (Deputy’s discretion)                                                                              $50

                                                      Second Violation                                                                                                              $20

                                                     Third violation                                                                                                                   $300             

                  16-10                           Keeping a dangerous/potentially dangerous dog:

                                                       Unattended/loose/unrestrained (per day)                                                                   $500

                                                       Without tattoo/microchip (per day)                                                                              $500

                                                       Failing to notify of change of address or death (per day)                                         $500

                                                       Failing to present proof of transferee responsibility (per day)                                 $1,000

                 16-11                            Mistreatment of an animal (per day)                                                                             $500

                16-19E                           Release of an animal from County-owned trap (per incident).                                 $100

               16-24                              Restraint/confinement of domestic animals required                                               $50

                16-26                             Prohibition of giveaways in public places per incident per animal                           $50

                           (5)           Any person who fails to pay a fine within period of 30 days after receiving citation shall be deemed to have committed a misdemeanor and a warrant may be issued for the person’s arrest.  Prosecution under this section shall require proof of the occurrence of the underlying facts giving rise to the notice of citation.  The Animal Enforcement Sergeant may extend time to pay on a citation due to hardship on case by case bases.

                          (6)           The owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous animal shall be strictly liable in civil damages for any injuries or property damage the animal inflicts upon a person, his property or another animal as per N.C.G.S. 67-4.4.

                          (7)           Violations taking place over continuous days shall be capped at 10 days per animal per violation unless there is evidence suggesting that the person has tried to interfere with Animal Enforcement Officers or obstruct justice in which case additional fines may accrue.

                          (8)           The final determination regarding the imposition and number of fines shall be determined by the County and alternative settlements shall be allowed where appropriate.

                          (9)           In accordance with Article IX Education, Section 7 of the North Carolina State Constitution, civil penalties collected under this Chapter shall be appropriated and used exclusively for maintaining free public schools.

E.            Interference.  It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with, hinder, molest, resist or obstruct any employee or agent of the County of Henderson in the performance of any duty authorized by law or ordinance, or to seek to release any domestic animal in the custody of such employees or agents (including from traps, cages, or other enclosures) except as specifically provided or authorized by the County of Henderson. The penalty for any person convicted of such interference as set out in this subsection shall be $500.00 per occurrence.

If any part of this Chapter shall be held invalid, such part shall be deemed severable and the invalidity thereof shall not affect the remaining parts.

Fees for Animal Service services will be set each year in the County's budget resolution. All such fees owed must be paid prior to the release of any impounded animal.

It shall be unlawful for any person to collect living companion animals within the County for the purpose of resale. The term "collect" shall include but is not limited to home solicitations or the setting of traps on any land within the County for the purpose of reselling animals.

It shall be unlawful for any person who causes injury to a domestic animal by any means, specifically including, but not limited to, hitting a domestic animal with any vehicle, to fail to notify within 24 hours of such injury at least 1 of the following:

1. The owner of the animal.
2. An Animal Enforcement Officer.
3. An appropriate law enforcement official.
4. The Animal Service Center

1. No person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of any domestic animal shall cause, permit or allow the same to be or to run at large except while on the private property or premises of the person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of such domestic animal.
2. When not on the owner's property, a domestic animal shall be under the control of a competent person and restrained by a leash, harness or other similar means of physical control.
3. This section pertains to all domestic animals with the following exceptions:
   
   1. Dogs used for control of livestock as long as said animal is in the process of controlling livestock.
   2. Dogs used or trained for hunting as long as said animal is in the process of being trained by a trainer and/or owner or on a legal hunt in the presence of the owner.
   3. Dogs used or trained for exhibition, performance, or obedience, or similar event, as long as said animal is in the process of participating or training for in a kennel club, field trial or similar event.
   4. Dogs used for law enforcement while training and/or acting in the line of duty.
   5. Dogs may be allowed to run at large in off-leash areas of such properties as may be designated by Henderson County or the related municipality, that shall have the authority to establish such rules and regulations as reasonably necessary for the operation of such properties. Dogs in designated off-leash areas must be accompanied by their owner, be under vocal control, in the line of sight, and not cause a public nuisance, safety hazard, harass people or other domestic or wild animals.

Unless otherwise specified by this Ordinance, animals, including domestic and livestock, that have been abandoned by their owner shall become the property of the County. For the purpose of this Ordinance, an abandoned animal shall be defined as an animal that is on public property or is reported on private property by the property owner whose owner is unknown and cannot be determined by a reasonable search by Enforcement Officers.

1. Adoption and Euthanasia. Animals that have been abandoned shall be held by the Animal Services Department for 72 hours unless otherwise specified by this Ordinance. After 72 hours, Animal Services may adopt out or humanely destroy any abandoned animal.
2. Redemption. Any person claiming to be the owner of an animal must pay the reclaim fee, boarding fee, any veterinary costs and any other costs incurred by the County for the animal prior to the animal being released. Redemption is defined as reclaim for lost, abandoned animals, or animals that have violated the Animal Ordinance and shall not include animals held under quarantine. In the case of cats and dogs, no animal shall be released without being micro chipped. In the case of livestock, Animal Services may require some proof from the person of ownership of this animal prior to its release.
3. Owner Search. Enforcement Officers shall conduct a reasonable search for the owner of the abandoned animal which may include but is not limited to a microchip scan, an investigation of the neighborhood, information supplied on the Animal Services website, or notices on local media outlets.
4. Willful Abandonment. Any person found to be willfully releasing animals into the community, including but not limited to leaving animals by the side of the road, releasing animals into parks or leaving animals in parking lots shall be guilty of a misdemeanor pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §14.4, and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500.

It shall be unlawful to display any animal in a public place for the purpose of selling, trading, or giving the animal away or used as a prize or inducement. For the purpose of this section, public place shall be defined as any place open to the general public including but not limited to malls, supermarkets, parking lots, flea markets, farmer’s markets, road right-of-ways, and parks. This section does not apply to state regulated pet shops, commercial kennels, licensed animal shelters, veterinarian offices, licensed stockyards or livestock auctions or 501(c)(3) non-profits who adopt out animals with proof of rabies vaccination and alteration

1. It shall be unlawful for any owner to keep, possess, harbor, or have under their control an inherently dangerous animal or a wild animal within the County.
2. Exceptions: Persons with a valid and current government-issued license shall be exempt. Person must currently hold the license.
3. Recapturing: The owner of any inherently dangerous animal or wild animal shall reimburse Henderson County for all cost incurred while attempting to recapture any escaped inherently dangerous mammal. If the animal is sheltered or euthanized by Animal Control, the owner shall also pay these costs.
   1. Animal Enforcement may take and impound an animal under these provisions at any time for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare.
   2. If an animal cannot be taken safely by Animal Enforcement or if proper and safe housing cannot be found for the animal, Animal Enforcement may immediately destroy the animal.
4. Testing: In the event the County performs genetic testing on the animal, if the test provides positive returns, the owner may be held civilly liable for the cost of testing.

1. Failure to comply is unlawful. It shall be unlawful for any animal owner or other person to fail to comply with the state public health laws relating to the control of rabies.
2. Providing procedure. It is the purpose of this Chapter to supplement the General Statutes by providing procedure for the enforcement of state laws relating to rabies control (in addition to the criminal penalties provided by the General Statutes).

1. The failure by an owner to vaccinate under this Article is a misdemeanor pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-4, and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $50 per day. The owner’s duty to vaccinate begins when the dog or cat is four months of age, and continues for the animal’s life.

2. Current rabies vaccination. The owner of every dog and cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. The time or times of vaccination shall be established by the State Veterinary Commission. Rabies vaccine shall be administered as required in N.C.G.S. 130A-185.
3. Adopted animals. Every dog or cat adopted from the Animal Services Center shall be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian or certified rabies vaccinator within 30 days of adoption unless the animal is under 4 months and then it shall be vaccinated when medically possible or when animal is brought back for spay or neuter surgery. If the animal is over 4 months and not vaccinated prior to adoption, a rabies vaccine voucher shall be purchased. Owners shall have the burden to provide vaccine information to Animal Enforcement and Animal Services after the animal received the vaccine. If proof of vaccination is not provided to Animal Services within 30 days of adoption, Animal Services shall keep the deposit. In addition, the adopted animal may be impounded by Animal Enforcement Officers and/or penalties may be assessed against the owner.
4. Failure to vaccinate; penalty. The owner of a dog or cat not having a current rabies vaccination shall be subject to a civil penalty as determined in this Chapter if such owner does not produce a valid and current rabies vaccination tag or form within 3 days of the demand for same by an Animal Enforcement Officer or law enforcement officer. Failure to produce the tag or form under this subsection is a separate offense for each animal.
5. Certification of vaccination. The owners of dogs and cats 4 months of age or older shall have the dogs or cats vaccinated against rabies with an approved vaccine administered by a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian shall issue the owner of the animal a vaccination certificate and such owner shall retain such certificate until vaccination is renewed. At the time of vaccination, an owner shall be issued a metal tag by the veterinarian showing the information required by North Carolina state law.
6. Tag required to be worn. Every owner of a cat or dog shall affix a rabies tag on the dog or cat at all times while off its owner’s premises. It shall be unlawful for any person other than the owner to remove the tag from the dog or cat. Tags do not have to be worn in the following situations: confinement on owner’s premises, animal shows, obedience trials, tracking tests, field trials, training schools or events by a recognized organization, or supervised hunting.
7. Tag, certificate, etc. not transferable. No person shall use a rabies tag or veterinarian certificate or receipt for any dog or cat than for the dog or cat to which the rabies tag, veterinarian certificate or receipt was issued.
8. Owner to provide proof of vaccination. Any Animal Enforcement Officer or any law enforcement officer may at any reasonable time require an owner to provide proof of rabies vaccination for any animals. Any owner not possessing a current rabies tag, certificate or receipt for such dog or cat over 4 months of age shall fall under the “Enforcement” section below.
9. Impoundment. Any animal found off the owner’s property not wearing the required vaccination tag or an animal that has been under investigation by law enforcement in the last 30 days and did not have proper rabies identification at the time or subsequently on or off the owner’s property shall be impounded by an Animal Enforcement Officer. During the impoundment period, the Animal Enforcement Officer shall make reasonable efforts to locate the animal’s owner. No animal shall be released until it is vaccinated against rabies, has a rabies voucher or the Animal Services Center is presented with evidence of its current vaccination. An animal impounded under this section shall be released to its owner upon payment of all applicable fees, payment for care during the impoundment and cost of vaccination when necessary.
10. Enforcement.
    1. If an animal is found without a rabies tag on the owner’s property, the owner shall have 5 calendar days to obtain proper proof of vaccination and present to Animal Enforcement.
       
       1. After 3 days, Animal Enforcement may check the vaccination on the animal and if there is still no proof of rabies vaccination, the owner shall be assessed a rabies fine for 3 days.
       2. If after 3 days, the owner has proof of rabies vaccination for the animal(s), no fine shall be assessed.
    2. If an animal is found off the owner’s property, the animal shall be impounded for 72 hours for owner reclaim. Prior to release, the animal’s vaccination history shall be verified and a rabies vaccine voucher shall be purchased if required.

1. Quarantine. Every dog or cat which has bitten any person or which shows symptoms of rabies shall be confined immediately and shall be promptly reported to the Animal Service Center, and thereupon shall be securely quarantined, at the direction of the Animal Service Center, for 10 days commencing from the time of the bite. Animals quarantined under this section shall be confined at the expense of the owner.
   
   1. All dogs and cats shall be housed at the County Animal Service Center unless approved by the Public Health Director or his/her designee in writing.
   2. Animals may be quarantined in approved veterinary quarantine at the veterinarian’s office. This must be approved by the County Director of Public Health in writing. In instances where this option is used, the owner must sign a document produced by the County where the owner accepts all liability for the animal. At the end of the quarantine, the owner or the veterinarian must provide documentation stating the animal does not have rabies and has been properly vaccinated against rabies.
   3. Animals quarantined at the Henderson County Animal Shelter must be claimed no more than 24 hours after the end of the quarantine period. After this period the animal shall be considered relinquished to Henderson County Animal Services.
2. Authority to seize animals for noncompliance. If the owner or the person who controls or possesses the dog or cat refuses to confine the animal as required by this section, the County Director of Public Health may order seizure of the animal and its confinement for 10 days in such
3. Disposition of animal other than dog, cat or ferret. An animal other than a dog or cat or ferret that bites a person shall be immediately euthanized and its head forwarded to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing.
4. Quarantine of stray animals. In the case of stray animals whose ownership is not known, the supervised quarantine required by this section shall be at the County Animal Service Center.
5. Authority to euthanize unclaimed animals. If any animal is unclaimed after a 10 day confinement,then the County Animal Service Director may have the animal euthanized
6. Release from quarantine. If rabies does not develop within the 10 day quarantine period under this section, the animal may be released from quarantine to its owner. If the animal has been confined by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department upon reclaiming the animal, the owner shall pay any such fee established by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners for each day of confinement to defray the cost of sheltering the animal.
7. Report of bites. Every physician or other medical practitioner who treats a person or persons for any animal bite or scratch or any person having knowledge of an animal bite or scratch shall within 12 hours, report such treatment to the Animal Service Center giving the name, age, sex and precise location of the bitten/scratched person or persons and such other information as the officer or agency may require.
8. Euthanization of wounded, diseased or suffering animals. Badly wounded, diseased, or suffering animals, which are suspected of having rabies, may be humanely euthanized immediately, and the head forwarded for rabies testing.

1. Animals not vaccinated against rabies which are bitten by or exposed to a known rabid animal or rabies suspect shall be immediately destroyed, unless the owner agrees to strict isolation of the animal at a veterinary hospital for a period of up to 6 months at the owner's expense unless a similar quarantine facility is approved by the Public Health Director.
2. If the animal has a current rabies vaccination, it shall be revaccinated within 72 hours of the bite.

1. Quarantine ordered. When reports indicate a positive diagnosis of rabies in an animal found within Henderson County or any adjacent County, the County Director of Public Health may order an area-wide quarantine for such period, as he/she deems necessary. Upon invoking such emergency quarantine, no dog or cat may be taken or shipped from the County without written permission of the County Director of Public Health. The Director of Public Health can place a moratorium on adoptions of animals from the County Shelter. All Animal Services and law enforcement officers are duly authorized by North Carolina General Statutes
   § 130A-195
   to seize, impound or shoot any dog or cat found not under control in the County during an emergency quarantine. During the quarantine period, the County Director of Public Health shall be empowered to provide for a program of mass immunization by the establishment of temporary emergency rabies vaccination facilities strategically located throughout the County.
2. Extension of quarantine. In the event there are additional positive cases of rabies occurring during the period of quarantine, such period of quarantine may be extended at the discretion of the County Director of Public Health.

1. Testing of dogs or cats under observation. If a dog or cat dies while under observation for rabies, the dog or cat shall be submitted to the Western Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for shipment to the State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing.
2. Surrender of dead dog or cat. The carcass of any dead dog or cat exposed to rabies shall be surrendered to the Animal Service Center. The animal shall be submitted to the State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing

It shall be unlawful for any person to kill or release any dog or cat under observation for rabies, suspected of having been exposed to rabies, or biting a human, or to remove such dog or cat from the County without written permission from the County Director of Public Health. Violation of this section shall be subject to penalties as prescribed in § 16-58.

It shall be unlawful for any person to fail or refuse to surrender any dog or cat for quarantine or euthanasia as required in this Chapter when demand is made therefore by the County Director of Public Health or his/her designee.

In addition to and independent of any criminal penalties and other sanctions provided in this article, violation of this article may also subject the offender to the civil penalties hereinafter set forth:

1. The Animal Service Director, Animal Enforcement Officers, Sheriff, or Sheriff's Deputies may issue to the known owner of any animal, or to any other violator of the provisions of this Chapter, a citation. Citations so issued may be delivered in person or mailed by certified or registered mail to the person charged if that person cannot be readily found. The citation shall impose upon the violator a minimum civil penalty of $50 or such greater amounts for offenses as may be set by ordinance. The imposed civil penalty shall be paid in full to the Animal Service Center within 30 days of receipt of the citation assessing the civil penalty. This civil penalty is in addition to other fees or costs authorized by this Chapter.
2. In the event that the owner of an animal or other alleged violator does not appear in response to the above-described citation, or the applicable civil penalty is not paid within the time period prescribed, a civil action may be commenced to recover the penalty and costs associated with collection of the penalty, and/or criminal summons may be issued against the owner or other alleged violator of this Chapter, and upon conviction, the owner shall be punished as provided by state law. The Sheriff is expressly authorized to initiate and prosecute small claims actions in District Court to collect civil penalties and fees due to the Department and may call on the County Legal Department for assistance as needed.
3. The following civil penalties are hereby established and subject to revision by the Board of County Commissioners for each incident violation of this Chapter:

1. Purpose. To promote spay and neuter of domestic dogs and cats by providing funds and education for alteration for Henderson County residents on spay and neuter services and issues.
2. Assistance Program. For the purpose of this section, adoption means not commercially sold and includes all rescues, havens, shelters or other animal welfare, non-profit organizations in Henderson County, in addition to the County Animal Services Center.
3. Assistance Program.
   
   1. Authority. Henderson County Animal Services is authorized to establish, equip, operate, maintain and provide spay/neuter services for Henderson County dogs and cats. Animal Services is likewise authorized to contract with any individual, corporation, nonprofit organization, governmental body or any other group for the purpose of providing alteration services for Henderson County cats and dogs.
   2. Assistance Fund. Henderson County Animal Services Center may establish a Spay and Neuter Assistance Program Fund to collect and distribute funds to assist eligible residents of Henderson County with financial resources for animal alteration. These monies may also be used toward education program costs. Funds collected at the Henderson County Animal Services Rabies Clinics shall be contributed to this fund.
   3. SNAP Voucher program. Vouchers may be available at the Henderson County Animal Services Center to low-income residents of Henderson County which may be redeemed for spay/neuter services at designated local providers.
   4. Boarding charge. Henderson County Animal Services shall establish a return date by which a person submitting an animal for alteration shall pick up the animal or be subject to a reasonable boarding fee as established by Henderson County to commence after the return date. If the animal is not picked up within 5 business days of the return date, Animal Services shall consider the animal abandoned and/or relinquished and may adopt out or euthanize the animal as necessary.
4. Education program.
   
   1. Written Information. Henderson County will prepare and distribute educational information to Henderson County pet owners regarding responsible pet ownership and retention, importance of animal alteration, and resources to assist eligible pet owners have their animals altered.
   2. Educational events. Henderson County may coordinate with related organizations and individuals to provide Henderson County residents with classes, events, and other activities to enhance the community’s awareness of animal issues including animal overpopulation, responsible pet ownership and retention and the importance of alteration.
   3. Henderson County may prepare and distribute educational information regarding responsible pet ownership, animal alteration, spay/neuter assistance, and resources for assistance with other issues.
   4. Educational Events. Henderson County may coordinate with related organizations and individuals to provide Henderson County residents with classes, events, and other activities to enhance the community’s awareness of animal issues.

No household shall own, house, or care for more than 10 domestic animals on their property without registering with Animal Services Center.

1. Law enforcement shall be permitted to inspect all registered parties at any time. Refusal of inspection shall be grounds for registry revocation.
2. The owner must notify Animal services if the number of animals increases.

Failure to comply with the provisions of this Article may result in criminal or civil penalties as contemplated in §16-19 of this Ordinance. Violators with more than 10 animals who are not registered or have excess animals from their registry must pay $50 per additional animal more than 10 per day they are in violation. Excess animals may also be impounded at the owner’s expense. Excess animals impounded under this Article must be reclaimed within 24 hours of impoundment or become the immediate property of Henderson County.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to conflict or supplant any federal, state or municipal laws, rules or regulations especially those concerning the licensing of kennels, shelters, or pet shops. Nor shall anything in this Article conflict with any state, local, or municipal laws regarding land use.

If any person shall intentionally, willfully, knowingly or negligently allow his livestock to run at large, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Any person may take up any livestock running at large or straying and impound the same; and such impounder may recover from the owner the reasonable costs of impounding and maintaining the livestock as well as damages to the impounder caused by such livestock, and may retain the livestock, with the right to use with proper care until such recovery is had. Reasonable costs of impounding shall include any fees paid in order to locate the owner.

If the owner of impounded livestock is or becomes known to the impounder, actual notice of the whereabouts of the impounded livestock must be immediately given to the owner and the impounder must then make demand upon the owner of the livestock for the costs of impoundment and the damages to the impounder, if any, caused by such livestock.

If the owner of the impounded livestock is not known or cannot be found, the impounder shall inform the register of deeds that he has impounded the livestock and provide the register of deeds with a description of the livestock. The register of deeds shall record the information in a book kept for that purpose, and shall charge the impounder a fee of $10.00. The register of deeds shall immediately publish a notice of the impoundment of the animal by posting a notice on the courthouse door. The notice on the courthouse door shall be posted for 30 days, and shall contain a full description of the livestock impounded, including all marks or brands on the livestock, and shall state when and where the animal was taken up. The impounder shall publish once, in some newspaper published and distributed in the county, a notice containing the same information as the notice posted by the register of deeds. The fees for publishing the notice shall be paid by the impounder

If the owner and impounder cannot agree as to the cost of impounding and maintaining such livestock, as well as damages to the impounder caused by such livestock running at large, then such costs and damages shall be determined by three disinterested landowners, 1 to be selected by the owner of the livestock, 1 to be selected by the impounder and a third to be selected by the first 2. If within 10 days a majority of the landowners so selected cannot agree, or if the owner of the livestock or the impounder fails to make his selection, or if the 2 selected fail to select a third, then the clerk of superior court of the county where the livestock is impounded shall select a referee. The determination of such costs and damages by the landowners or by the referee shall be final.

If the owner fails to redeem his livestock within 3 days after the notice and demand as provided herein is received or within 3 days after the determination of the costs and damages as provided in this article, then, upon written notice fully describing the livestock, stating the place, date, and hour of sale posted at the courthouse door and 3 or more public places in the township where the owner resides, and after 10 days from such posting, the impounder shall sell the livestock at public auction. If the owner of the livestock remains unknown to the impounder, then, 30 days after publication of the notice required herein, the impounder shall post at the courthouse door and 3 public places in the township where the livestock is impounded a written notice fully describing the livestock, and stating the place, date, and hour of sale. After 20 days from such posting, the impounder shall sell the livestock at public auction. The proceeds of any such public sale shall be applied to pay the reasonable costs of impounding and maintaining the livestock and the damages to the impounder caused by the livestock. Reasonable costs of impounding shall include any fees paid pursuant to this article in an attempt to locate the owner of the livestock. The balance, if any, shall be paid to the owner of the livestock, if known, or, if the owner is not known, then to the school fund of the county where the livestock was impounded.

If any person willfully releases any lawfully impounded livestock without the permission of the impounder or receives such livestock knowing that it was unlawfully released, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor

If any person shall impound or cause to be impounded any livestock and shall fail to supply to the livestock during the confinement a reasonably adequate quantity of good and wholesome feed and water, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

When any livestock is impounded under the provisions of this Chapter and remains without reasonably adequate feed and water for more than 24 hours, any person may lawfully enter the area of impoundment to supply the livestock with feed and water. Such person shall not be liable in trespass for such entry and may recover of the owner or, if the owner is unknown, of the impounder of the livestock, the reasonable costs of the feed and water

A violation of this article is a Class 3 misdemeanor.

If any person shall permit any turkeys, geese, chickens, ducks or other domestic fowls to run at large on the lands of any other person while such lands are under cultivation in any kind of grain or feedstuff or while being used for gardens or ornamental purposes, after having received actual or constructive notice of such running at large, he shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. If it shall appear to any magistrate that after 3 days' notice any person persists in allowing his fowls to run at large in violation of this section and fails or refuses to keep them upon his own premises, then said magistrate may, in his discretion, order any sheriff or other officer to kill the fowls when they are running at large as herein provided.

This Article codifies N.C.G.S. Chapter 68, Article 3, its subsequent amendments, additions, or deletions, and the case law of the State of North Carolina arising there under.

This Chapter shall be referred to as the "Henderson County Parks and Recreation Ordinance."

This Chapter is enacted pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160A, Article 18, and N.C.G.S. 153A-169.

The following terms are defined for purposes of this Chapter:

1. Department - The Parks and Recreation Department of Henderson County.
2. Director - The Director of the Parks and Recreation Department of Henderson County, or his/her designee.
3. Park - A park, reservation, playground, community center, recreation center, stadium or any other area or structure in the County, owned or leased or used by the County and devoted to active or passive recreation, including property owned by others and devoted to park purposes under the jurisdiction of the Department.
4. Person - Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind, but does not apply to park employees or law enforcement officers to the extent necessary to carry out their duties.
5. Public Place - Any place which is viewable from any location open to the view of the public at large.
6. Public Nudity - A person's intentional failure to cover with a fully opaque covering the person's genitals, pubic area, anal area or female breasts below a point from the top of the areola while in a public place, excluding toilet facilities.
7. Sexual Conduct - Vaginal, anal or oral intercourse, whether actual or simulated, or masturbation.
8. Unnecessary Stopping - Bringing a vehicle to a complete stop at a point other than in a parking place, or other than in conformity with traffic regulations and other than because of a defect in said vehicle.
9. Vehicle - Any wheeled conveyance, whether motor-powered, animal-drawn or self-propelled; except wheelchairs and similar vehicles, baby carriages and vehicles in the service of the County parks or emergency vehicles.

1. Buildings and other property. No person in a park shall:
   
   1. Willfully mark, deface, disfigure, adulterate, injure, tamper with or displace or remove any buildings, bridges, tables, fireplaces, railings, paving or paving materials, water lines, or other public utilities or parts of appurtenances thereof, fences, signs, notices or placards, whether temporary or permanent, receptacles, monuments, stakes, posts, or other boundary markers, or other structures, improvements or equipment, facilities or park property or appurtenances whatsoever, either real or personal.
   2. Force entry into any rest room or washroom that is locked or bolted; and no person over the age of 6 years shall enter any rest room, washroom or locker room designated for the opposite sex.
   3. Construct or erect any building or structure of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary in character, or run or string any public service utility into, upon or across such lands, except on special written permit or permission of the Director.
   4. Camp or sleep overnight in any area of the park. No person shall set up tents, shacks or any other temporary shelter for the purpose of overnight camping, nor shall any person leave in any park any movable structure or special vehicle to be used or that could be used for such purpose, such as a camper-trailer, house trailer, motor home or the like.
2. Trees, shrubbery, lawns. No person in a park shall:
   
   1. Damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any tree or plant or injure the bark, or pick the flowers or seeds, of any tree or plant; attach any rope, wire or other contrivance to any tree or plant or tie or hitch an animal to any tree or plant.
   2. Dig or remove any soil, rock or stones, or any trees, shrubs, plants, plantings, grass, down-timber or other wood or materials, or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting or other means or agency.
   3. Climb, stand or sit upon monuments, vases, fountains, failings, fences, shelters, trees or upon any other property, real or personal, not designated or customarily used for such purposes.
3. Wild animals, birds. No person in a park shall:
   
   1. Hunt, molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, chase, tease, shoot or throw missiles at any animal, reptile or bird; remove or possess the young of any wild animal, or the eggs or nest or young of any reptile or bird; except that it shall not be unlawful to kill snakes or other reptiles thought to be poisonous.
   2. Give or offer, or attempt to give to any animal or bird any tobacco, alcohol or other known noxious substances.

No person in a park shall:

1. Throw, discharge or otherwise place or cause to be placed in the waters of any fountain, pond, lake, stream or other body of water in or adjacent to any park or any tributary system, storm sewer, or drain flowing into such waters, any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, which will or may result in the pollution of such waters.
2. Dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cigarette or cigar butts, cans, dirt, rubbish waste, garbage or refuse, or other trash anywhere on the park grounds; except such matter may be placed in proper receptacles where provided. Where receptacles are not provided, all such rubbish or waste shall be carried away from the park by the person responsible for its presence, and properly disposed of elsewhere.
3. Dump, deposit or leave household garbage or waste generated outside the park in the park facilities, park receptacles or dumpsters, or on park grounds.

No person in a park shall:

1. Fail to comply with the provisions of the motor vehicle traffic laws of the state and ordinances of the County in regard to equipment and operation of vehicles.
2. Fail to obey all traffic officers, law enforcement officers and parks and recreation employees, such persons being authorized and instructed to direct traffic whenever and wherever needed in the park.
3. Fail to obey all traffic signs indicating speed, direction, caution, stopping or parking, and all others posted for proper control and to safeguard life and property.
4. Ride or drive a vehicle at a rate of speed exceeding 10 miles an hour, except upon such roads as the Director may specifically designate, by posted signs, for speedier travel.
5. Drive any vehicle on any area except the paved park roads or designated parking areas, or such other areas as may on occasion be specifically designated as temporary parking areas by the Director, except that bicycles shall be permitted on all trails unless specifically prohibited.
6. Park a vehicle, or allow it to stand in other than an established or designated parking area, and such use shall be in accordance with the posted directions and with the instructions of any traffic officer, law enforcement officer or parks and recreation employee who may be present.
7. Cause or permit a vehicle to obstruct the flow of traffic.
8. Cause or permit a vehicle to be parked unattended or abandoned overnight except by written permission of the Director.
9. Stand, sit, congregate or in any way block or cause a hazard for vehicles in any roadway or parking area, except as may be specifically designated by the director during special events.
10. Operate any motorized vehicle at any location within the park other than such places, if any, as are specifically designated for such purposes by the Director, except that regularly licensed vehicles and operators, or mopeds, may have access to the streets, roadways and parking areas within parks to the same extent as public streets, subject to all other rules of this article and Code.
11. Ride a bicycle on other than the right-hand side of a paved vehicular road or path designated for that purpose; or fail to keep in single file when 2 or more bicycles areoperating as a group, except as specifically designated by the Director during special bicycle events.
12. Ride any other person over the age of 6 years on a single-passenger bicycle in any park.
13. Leave a bicycle unattended in a place other than a bicycle rack when such is provided and there is space available.
14. Leave a bicycle lying on the ground or paving, or against trees, or in any place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by it.
15. Ride a bicycle on any road or parking area between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise without an attached headlight plainly visible at least 200 feet from the front, and without a red taillight or red reflector plainly visible from at least 100 feet from the rear of such bicycle.

1. Bathing and swimming. No person in a park shall swim, bathe or wade in any waters or waterways in or adjacent to any park, except in such waters and at such places as are provided therefore, and in compliance with such regulations as are now or may be hereafter adopted.
2. Boating. No person in a park shall operate any boat, raft or other watercraft, whether motor-powered or not, upon any waters within a park.
3. Fishing. No person in a park shall:
   
   1. Engage in commercial fishing, or the buying or selling of fish caught in any waters.
   2. Fish in any waters, whether by the use of hook and line, net, trap or other device, where specifically prohibited by the Director for that use and under such regulations and restrictions as have been or may be prescribed by the Director.
4. Picnic areas, shelters and use. No person in a park shall:
   
   1. Picnic or lunch in a place other than those designated for that purpose. The parks and recreation staff shall have the authority to regulate the activities in such areas when necessary to prevent congestion and to secure the maximum use for the comfort and convenience of the public. Visitors shall comply with any directions given to achieve this end.
   2. Violate the regulations that the use of the individual picnic areas and shelters, together with fireplaces, tables and benches, follows generally the rule of "first come, first served," or occupy a reserved area without authorization.
   3. Leave a picnic area before the fire is completely extinguished and before all trash in the nature of boxes, papers, cans, bottles, garbage, cigarette and cigar butts, and other refuse, is placed in the disposal receptacles where provided. If no such receptacles are available, then refuse and trash shall be carried away from the park area by the user to be properly disposed of elsewhere.

No person in a park shall:

1. Possess, consume, or be under the influence of:
   
   1. Any malt beverage or unfortified wine, as defined in N.C.G.S. Chapter 18B.
   2. Any fortified wine or spirituous liquor, as defined in N.C.G.S. Chapter 18B.
2. Possess, use, consume or be under the influence of any illegal drugs.
3. Build or attempt to build a fire, except in such areas as may be designated by the Department for the building of fires; or throw or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes, tobacco paper or other flammable material, within any park area.
4. Enter an area posted as "closed to the public," nor shall any person use or abet the use of any area in violation of posted notices.
5. Engage in any disorderly conduct or behavior tending to be a breach of the public peace.
6. Engage in public nudity in any area of the park.
7. Engage in any sexual conduct in any area of the park.
8. Produce or emit any amplified speech, music or any other sounds that annoy, disturb or frighten park users, without a permit. This provision does not apply to events organized by the Department.
9. Disturb or unreasonably interfere with the activities of any other person or persons occupying an area of a park.
10. Cause or permit any animal owned by or in the custody of such person to run at large or be out of the immediate control such person. Each animal found at large may be seized and disposed of as provided by local ordinance governing disposal of stray animals.
11. Enter, use or remain within any park during the hours when the park is closed.

No person in a park shall possess or cause to explode, discharge, burn, or otherwise set off, any pyrotechnic, firecracker, other fireworks or explosives, or to discharge or throw them into any such land or highway adjacent thereto, except as may be specifically authorized by the Henderson County Board of County Commissioners. This provision does not apply to events organized by the Department.

No person in a park shall:

1. Expose, offer for sale or advertise any food, beverage, article or service, or solicit donations, except as allowed by County policy or ordinance.
2. Paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement or inscription whatever; except as allowed by County policy or ordinance.

1. The opening and closing hours for each individual park or recreation facility shall be determined by the Director and shall be posted therein for public information.
2. All or any section of any park or recreation area or facility may be declared closed to the public by the Director at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise), and either entirely or merely to certain uses, as the Director shall find reasonably necessary.
3. The findings of lost articles by park attendants shall be reported to the Director, who shall make every reasonable effort to locate the owners.
4. A permit shall be obtained from the Director before participating in any park activity which the Department shall from time to time designate as requiring such a permit.
5. The Director shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation of any rule or ordinance, or upon good cause shown.

Any person or persons entering into a lease or rental agreement of any recreation facility agrees to hold harmless the County of Henderson and park and recreation staff for any injuries or death occurring while using the facilities. The sponsor shall assume full responsibility

1. The Director has the authority and responsibility to enforce any rules and regulations governing the use and maintenance of the parks and recreation facilities as adopted by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.
2. The Director, employees of the department, the Henderson County Sheriff or his deputies, and any law enforcement officer having territorial jurisdiction over said park, shall have the authority to eject from any park any person acting in violation of this or any section of this Code, or any law of the state.
3. When there is a violation of any provision of this chapter, the County, or any person set forth in §19-13B, in his/her discretion, may take one or more of the courses of action set forth in Henderson County Code Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article II.

1. Definitions. The following terms are defined for purposes of this Chapter:
   
   1. Camp - A site where educational and recreational activities are provided for children.
   2. Child Safety Zone - All parks, public libraries, school sites, camps, and the public ways within 300 feet of a park, public library, school site, or camp.
   3. Convicted Child Sex Offender - Any person who is required to register on the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry pursuant to N.C.G.S. Chapter 14 Article 27A. and any person convicted of any offense which could require him or her to register on the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry.
   4. Loiter - Standing, sitting idly, whether or not the person is in a vehicle or remaining in or around a child safety zone. This term shall not include the following:
      
      1. A person's mere physical presence on a school site for the purposes of:
         
         1. Dropping off or picking up such person's legal child who attends such school; or
         2. Meeting with school officials at the school at which such person's legal child attends; or
         3. Attending a school event in which such person's legal child is actively participating.
      2. A person's mere physical presence at an event announced to and open to the general public held on a school site.
   5. Park - The same as defined by §19-3.
   6. Public Way - Any place to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access and includes, but is not limited to, streets, common areas of schools, shopping centers, parking lots, parks, playgrounds, transportation facilities, theaters, restaurants, shops, bowling alleys, taverns, cafes, arcades, and similar areas that are open to the use of the public.
   7. School Site
      
      1. The buildings and grounds of any elementary school, junior high school, high school, or pre-school or child development or child-care facility required to be licensed by the State of North Carolina; and
      2. All school-bus stops.
   8. Public Library - Any library operated by Henderson County.
2. It shall be unlawful for a convicted child sex offender to knowingly loiter in any child safety zone.

1. If a law enforcement officer reasonably believes that a convicted child sex offender is in a child safety zone in violation of this article, the officer shall require the convicted child sex offender to provide his/her name, address, and telephone number. If the officer establishes that the individual is a convicted child sex offender, then the officer shall notify the convicted child sex offender that he/she is in violation of the article.
2. For the purposes hereof, an individual may be established as a convicted child sex offender:
   
   1. If he/she is a resident of North Carolina and is required to be registered on the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registration Database; or
   2. If he/she is not a resident of North Carolina, he/she would be required to so register if he/she was, in fact, a North Carolina resident

A. Misdemeanor. The violation of any provision of this Article shall be a misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punishable as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-4.

If any provision of this article is invalidated by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.

In pursuance of the authority conferred by the N.C.G.S., particularity Chapter 66 Article 45, the County Commissioners of Henderson County, North Carolina, hereby ordain and enact into law the following sections

The provisions set forth in this Chapter are designed to ensure a sound system of making loans, acquiring and disposing of tangible personal property by and through pawnshops and to prevent unlawful property transactions, particularity in stolen property, through licensing and regulating pawnbrokers; and to provide for licensing fees and investigation fees of licensees; and to ensure financial responsibility to the County, state and the general public; and to ensure compliance with federal and state laws; and to assist Henderson County in the exercise of its police authority.

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the unincorporated areas of Henderson County outside the municipal limits of any city or incorporated municipality as defined by N.C.G.S. 160A-1(2).This Chapter shall also apply to any municipality upon specific request of the governing body of the municipality and consent of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners through an interlocal agreement pursuant to N.C.G.S. Chapter 160A, Article 20.

After the effective date of this Chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to establish or conduct the business of pawnbroker unless such person, firm or corporation has procured a license to conduct business in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter

To be eligible for a pawnbroker’s license, an applicant must submit a petition to the Board of County Commissioners showing:

1. Compliance with N.C.G.S Chapter 66 Article 45.
2. Compliance with the following additional County requirements:
   1. A criminal record check from the Clerk of Court of every county where the applicant has resided during the past 10 years.
   2. Written references from two or more local citizens.
   3. A notarized statement to the effect that the applicant has read understands and agrees to comply with the provisions N.C.G.S Chapter 66 Article 45and this Chapter.
   4. A local record check for all prospective pawnshop employees.
   5. Payment of $50 to Henderson County for an annual license fee.

It shall be the duty of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners to:

1. Establish and maintain the appropriate records for the administration of this Chapter and
   to receive, review and present to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for
   consideration by the Board of Commissioners at a regular scheduled meeting all properly
   completed petitions for pawnbrokers' licenses. Upon approval of the petition, the Clerk to
   the Board shall prepare the license for signature by the Chairman and deliver the duly
   executed license to the petitioner.
2. Enforce the provisions of this Chapter and cause to be conducted any investigations
   necessary concerning alleged violations.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Henderson County Code Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article II

This Chapter may be amended by the Board of County Commissioners in accord with statutory provisions governing ordinances of this type

In pursuance of the authority conferred by the N.C.G.S., particularity Chapter 66 Article 45, the County Commissioners of Henderson County, North Carolina, hereby ordain and enact into law the following sections

The provisions set forth in this Chapter are designed to ensure a sound system of making loans, acquiring and disposing of tangible personal property by and through pawnshops and to prevent unlawful property transactions, particularity in stolen property, through licensing and regulating pawnbrokers; and to provide for licensing fees and investigation fees of licensees; and to ensure financial responsibility to the County, state and the general public; and to ensure compliance with federal and state laws; and to assist Henderson County in the exercise of its police authority.

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the unincorporated areas of Henderson County outside the municipal limits of any city or incorporated municipality as defined by N.C.G.S. 160A-1(2).This Chapter shall also apply to any municipality upon specific request of the governing body of the municipality and consent of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners through an interlocal agreement pursuant to N.C.G.S. Chapter 160A, Article 20.

After the effective date of this Chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to establish or conduct the business of pawnbroker unless such person, firm or corporation has procured a license to conduct business in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter

To be eligible for a pawnbroker’s license, an applicant must submit a petition to the Board of County Commissioners showing:

1. Compliance with N.C.G.S Chapter 66 Article 45.
2. Compliance with the following additional County requirements:
   
   1. A criminal record check from the Clerk of Court of every county where the applicant has resided during the past 10 years
   2. Written references from two or more local citizens.
   3. A notarized statement to the effect that the applicant has read understands and agrees to comply with the provisions N.C.G.S Chapter 66 Article 45 and this Chapter.
   4. A local record check for all prospective pawnshop employees.
   5. Payment of $50 to Henderson County for an annual license fee.

It shall be the duty of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners to:

1. Establish and maintain the appropriate records for the administration of this Chapter and to receive, review and present to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for consideration by the Board of Commissioners at a regular scheduled meeting all properly completed petitions for pawnbrokers' licenses. Upon approval of the petition, the Clerk to the Board shall prepare the license for signature by the Chairman and deliver the duly executed license to the petitioner.
2. Enforce the provisions of this Chapter and cause to be conducted any investigations necessary concerning alleged violations.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to civil penalties of $50.00 for each violation, with each day of violation being treated as a separate violation.

This Chapter may be amended by the Board of County Commissioners in accord with statutory provisions governing ordinances of this type.

The following terms are defined for purposes of this Chapter:

1. Cash Converter - has the same meaning as defined in N.C.G.S Chapter 66.
2. Pawnbroker - has the same meaning as defined in N.C.G.S Chapter 66.
3. Pawnshop - has the same meaning as defined in N.C.G.S Chapter 66.
4. Precious Metals Dealer - has the same meaning as defined in N.C.G.S Chapter 66.
5. Secondary Metals Recycler - has the same meaning as defined in N.C.G.S Chapter 66.
6. Cash - In addition to and interpretation of the foregoing incorporated statutory definitions of “cash converter”, “pawnbroker”, “pawnshop”, “precious metals dealers” and “secondary metals dealers”, for the purposes of this Ordinance, the term “cash”, when construing that for which goods are purchased or otherwise obtained from the public, shall include checks, drafts, demand instruments, notes, “IOUs” and any other instrument indicating an present or future obligation to pay cash or other valuable consideration.

Every owner or operator of a cash converter business, pawnbroker, pawnshop, precious metals dealer or secondary metals recycler subject to this Ordinance shall maintain an electronic inventory tracking system which is capable of delivery and transmission of all information required by N.C.G.S. 66-391 or 66-392 (for cash converters, pawnbrokers and pawnshops) or N.C.G.S. 66-410 (for precious metals dealers) or N.C.G.S. 66-421 (for secondary metals dealers) by computer to the entity designated by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.

Every owner or operator of a cash converter business, pawnbroker, pawnshop, precious metals dealer or secondary metals recycler subject to this Ordinance is required to upload the information required by N.C.G.S. 66-391 or 66-392 to the entity designated by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office within 1 business day of receipt of the goods purchased and/or pawned.

A room occupancy tax of 5% is levied, as authorized in North Carolina Session Law 2013-61 and its predecessors.

Collection of the expanded local government sales and use tax by the North Carolina Secretary of Revenue, and liability therefore, shall begin and continue on and after the first day of March 1988.

The net proceeds of the taxes levied herein shall be distributed by the Secretary of Revenue to Henderson County and the municipalities therein as prescribed by N.C.G.S. 105-472, 105-486, and 105-501. The amount distributed to Henderson County shall be divided among the County and the municipalities herein in accordance with the method previously selected by the Board of Commissioners of Henderson County in accordance with the provisions of N.C.G.S. 105-472.

1. The North Carolina General Assembly authorized the levy of local government sales and use taxes through enactment of Chapter 77 of the 1971 Session Laws, codified as N.C.G.S. Chapter 105, Article 39; Chapter 908 of the 1983 Session Laws, codified as N.C.G.S. Chapter 105, Articles 40and 41; and Chapter 906 of the 1985 Session Laws (Regular Session 1986), codified as N.C.G.S. Chapter 105, Article 42.
2. These sales and use taxes authorized by the General Assembly have been levied in Henderson County by action of the Board of Commissioners acting pursuant to the authorizing legislation.
3. Enactment by the General Assembly of Chapter 832 of the 1987 Session Laws redefined the situs of a transaction for the purpose of collecting local government sales and use taxes, thus redefining the application of those taxes and requiring re adoption of these taxes by the County Board of Commissioners.
4. Section 10 of Chapter 832 of the 1987 Session Laws provided that failure to adopt expansion of the Local Government Sales and Use Tax Act will result in repeal of these taxes in Henderson County because they would be inconsistent with the scope of levies authorized in N.C.G.S. Chapter 105,Articles 39, 40, 41 and 42, as amended.
5. A public hearing was held on November 18, 1987, to consider the expansion of local government sales and use taxes authorized by N.C.G.S. Chapter 105Articles 39, 40, 41 and 42, and interested citizens presented their views to the Board of Commissioners.
6. The Board of County Commissioners caused public notice of the public hearing to be given, as required by Section 9 of Chapter 832 of the 1987 Session Laws, at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing.
7. The Board of Commissioners of Henderson County does hereby find that adoption of the expansion of the Local Government Sales and Use Tax Act within Henderson County is both desirable and necessary to adequately finance the operation of the County and cities and towns herein.

The expansion of the Local Government Sales and Use Tax Act, as defined in Section 4 of Chapter 832 of the 1987 Session Laws, is hereby adopted. The taxes hereby imposed and levied shall apply to the same extent and be subject to the same limitations as are set forth in N.C.G.S. Chapter 105, Articles 39, 40, 41 and 42, as amended

In the parking areas located at the Henderson County Courthouse and the Henderson County office building, each parking space marked with the name or title of a designated public official or employee shall be for the sole use of such public official or employee, and it shall be unlawful for any other person to park a motor vehicle in such parking space.

Violation of this article shall be an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $50. provided that this article shall not apply to streets, roads or highways in Henderson County.

Any motor vehicle parked in the parking area at the Henderson County Courthouse or in the parking area at the Henderson County office building in violation of the regulations set out in §22-1 above may be removed or towed away from said County owned property by or under the direction of the Chairman, Vice Chairman or Clerk of the Board of Commissioners of Henderson County to a storage area or garage, and the owner of such motor vehicle shall be deemed to have appointed such designated officials his agents for the purpose of arranging for the transportation and safe storage of such vehicle and accepting a warehouse receipt from the person or firm providing such transportation and storage, and the owner of such vehicle, before obtaining possession thereof, shall pay to the County all reasonable costs incidental to the removal and storage and any fines due for violation of said parking regulation.

This Article I shall be referred to as the "Henderson County Deadly Weapons Ordinance."

Prohibition against Deadly Weapons in County Buildings and Appurtenant Premises; Parks.

1. As used in this Chapter, deadly weapons shall include guns, bowie knives, dirks, daggers, slingshots, loaded canes, metallic knuckles, razors, shurikins, stun guns or other deadly weapons of like kind, as defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-269 and the caselaw interpreting the same. Notwithstanding, however, no provision of this Chapter shall be interpreted in a manner contrary to the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-415.23.
2. To the full extent permitted by Article 54B of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes (as the same exists and may be amended), it shall be unlawful for any person to bring any deadly weapon, openly or concealed, into any building or portion of a building now or hereafter owned, leased as lessee, operated, occupied, managed or controlled by Henderson County, as well as the appurtenant premises to such buildings, collectively hereinafter referred to as "County-owned or County-controlled property."
3. It shall be unlawful for any person to bring any deadly weapon, openly or concealed, in or on to any County owned or operated recreational facility, so long as the same is posted in accord with N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-415.23. As used herein, the term “recreational facility” includes only the following:
   
   1. An athletic field, including any appurtenant facilities such as restrooms, during an organized athletic event if the field had been scheduled for use with the municipality or county office responsible for operation of the park or recreational area.
   2. A swimming pool, including any appurtenant facilities used for dressing, storage of personal items, or other uses relating to the swimming pool.
   3. A facility used for athletic events, including, but not limited to, a gymnasium. The holder of a valid concealed handgun permit may, nevertheless, secure such handgun in a locked vehicle within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or area within or on the motor vehicle.

Posting Of Signs Required. The County Manager is hereby ordered to post appropriate signage on each building or portion of a recreational facility, building now or hereafter owned, leased as lessee, operated, occupied, managed or controlled by Henderson County, as well as the appurtenant premises to such buildings, indicating that, pursuant to the authority of N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-269 and Chapter 23 of the Henderson County Code, all deadly weapons are prohibited therein, and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Signs required by §23-3 of this Article I shall be visibly posted on the exterior of each entrance by which the general public can access the recreational facility, building, appurtenant premises or park. The County Manager shall exercise discretion in determining the necessity and appropriate location for other signs posted on the interior of the building, appurtenant premises or park.

The County Manager shall cause a notice to be posted in conspicuous locations on and about the Henderson County Courthouse that, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-269.4, it is unlawful for any person, not otherwise exempted by N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-269.4, to carry any deadly weapon, openly or concealed, within the Henderson County Courthouse and that violation shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The violation of any provision of this Chapter shall be a misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punishable as a misdemeanor as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-4.

The prohibition in § 23-2 shall not apply to:

1. Any person who is exempted from the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-269 by virtue of N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-269(b).
2. Any County Commissioner with a valid North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit.
3. A County employee with a valid North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit and prior approval granted by the County Manager.

This Article II shall be referred to as the "Henderson County Ordinance Regulating the Discharge and Display of Firearms."

This Article II is enacted pursuant to the authority of N.C. Gen. Stat. §153A-129. This Article II shall be interpreted in accordance with any sections of the General Statutes which, by their terms, limit the authority of the County to regulate the discharge of firearms. This Article II shall apply to the unincorporated areas of Henderson County and to those incorporated areas of any city or town specifically requesting its enforcement by Henderson County upon the consent of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners. (In making such a request, the city or town must comply with the requirements of N.C. Gen. Stat. §153A-122.)

Restrictions.

1. It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm:
   
   1. Carelessly or heedlessly in wanton disregard for the safety of others; or
   2. Without due caution or circumspection and in a manner so as to endanger any person or property; or
   3. Resulting in the unlawful property damage or bodily injury of another.
2. It is unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm on the property of another without his or her permission.
3. It is unlawful to discharge a firearm in any manner which actually results in the projectile leaving the property on which it is being fired.
4. This section shall not be construed as prohibiting discharge of a firearm when used:
   
   1. In lawful defense of person or property;
   2. To lawfully take birds or animals pursuant to Chapter 113, Subchapter IV, of the General Statutes;
   3. Pursuant to lawful directions of law enforcement officers;
   4. By persons lawfully engaged in pest control or the taking of dangerous animals;
   5. By members of the armed forces acting in the line of duty; or
   6. At historical ceremonial or commemoration functions held for such purpose, provided in no event shall live ammunition be used or discharged.

Misdemeanor. The violation of any provision of this Article shall be a misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punishable as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-4.