Starting on July 1, if you have a dangerous wild animal acquired before Sept. 3, 2022, you can keep it, but are required to register the animal with the City’s Animal Control Unit and pay a registration fee.
The registration requirement is part of ordinance No. 2022-395, which amends Section 12-3004 of the Raleigh City Code. On July 1, owners should register their affected animal online. For a detailed explanation of the ordinance, refer to the Wild Animal Ordinance webpage.
Ban Related to Dangerous Wild Animals
The ban for new owners within City limits to acquire a dangerous wild animal as a pet was implemented on Sept. 3, 2022, after a venomous zebra cobra was spotted on a north Raleigh porch in June 2021. The ban includes (but is not limited to) lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, jaguars, cheetahs, wolves, non-human primates, medically significant venomous snakes, crocodilians, and any hybrid or crossbreed of such animals.
Any dangerous wild animal that is harbored, possessed, kept, maintained, released, transported, or controlled by any person in violation of the City ordinance will be taken and impounded by the Animal Control Unit of the Raleigh Police Department for the protection of the animal, as well as the public.
Owners who violate the ordinance will have their animals impounded by police and pay a $500 penalty. They'll also have to reimburse the City for all costs of caring for, housing, and relocating their animals.