<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 3-64. - Cruelty to animals.</div>
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            <p class="incr0">
               (a)
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            <p class="content1">
               It shall be unlawful for any person to molest, torture, torment, deprive of necessary
               sustenance, cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill, wound, injure, poison, abandon
               or subject to conditions detrimental to its health or general welfare any animal,
               or to cause or procure such action. The words "torture" and "torment" shall be held
               to include every act, omission or neglect whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering
               or death is caused or permitted; but such terms shall not be construed to prohibit
               lawful taking of animals under the jurisdiction and regulation of the Wildlife Resources
               Commission; nor to prohibit the animal control officer or persons duly authorized
               by the county manager or veterinarians from destroying dangerous, unwanted or injured
               animals in a humane manner; nor to prohibit the lawful use of animals in scientific
               research. Nothing in this article shall be construed to allow the sale or donation
               of animals from the county animal shelter for use in scientific research.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (b)
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            <p class="content1">
               It shall be unlawful for any owner or keeper to fail to provide his animal or animals
               with proper shelter and protection from the weather, adequate and wholesome food and
               water to keep his animal or animals in good health and comfort, the opportunity for
               vigorous daily exercise, veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, and humane
               care and treatment.
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            <p class="incr0">
               (c)
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            <p class="content1">
               It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale, barter or give away
               within the county baby chickens, baby ducklings or other fowl under six weeks of age
               or rabbits under eight weeks of age as pets, toys, premiums or novelties; provided,
               however, that this section shall not be construed to prohibit the sale or display
               of such baby chickens, ducklings other fowl or such rabbits in proper facilities by
               breeders or stores engaged in the business of selling for purposes other than for
               pet or novelties.
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            <p class="incr0">
               (d)
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            <p class="content1">
               It shall be unlawful to color, dye, stain or otherwise change the natural color of
               baby chickens or other fowl or rabbits.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (e)
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            <p class="content1">
               It shall be unlawful for any person to tether any fowl.
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            <p class="incr0">
               (f)
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            <p class="content1">
               A violation of this section shall be punishable under the provisions of G.S.Â§ 14-360.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. No. 92-3, Â§ 4, 9-8-92; Ord. of 4-21-03; Ord. of 11-7-22(1), pt. IV)
               </p></div>