COUNTY OF LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
AN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE EXOTIC ANIMALS
WHEREAS, the County of Lexington desires to help insure the safety and health of the residents of the County; and,
WHEREAS, certain exotic animals pose a threat to the safety and health of the residents, and are inherently dangerous.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it enacted by the Lexington County Council as follows:
Section 1. Definition of Exotic Animal
“Exotic Animal” means those species of animals that are exotic to humans. Exotic animals include:
(1.) Class Mammalia
(a) Order Artiodactyla (only hippopotamuses and giraffes)
(b) Order Carnivora (only those specified below)
(1) Family Felidae [(all species except domestic cats) this includes lions,
tigers, cougars, leopards, ocelots, and servals]
(2) Family Canidae (only wolves, coyotes and jackals)
(3) Family Ursidae (all bears)
(4) Family Hyaenidae (all hyenas)
(c) Order Perissodactyla (only rhinoceroses)
(d) Order Primates (only gorillas)
(e) Order Proboscidae (all elephants)
(2.) Class Reptilia
(a) Order Squamata (only varanidae family animals specified below)
(1) Family Varanidae (only water monitors and crocodile monitors)
(b) Order Crocodilia (such as crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gavials, etc.) all species
Section 2. Prohibition.
It shall be unlawful to keep, maintain, or have in his or her possession or control within the unincorporated
portion of Lexington County any exotic animal as defined herein.
Section 3. Provisions.
The Provisions of Section 2 shall not apply to Riverbanks Zoo and Lexington County approved circuses that are
within the unincorporated area of the County.
Section 4. Penalty.
Any person violating the provisions of Section 2 shall be subject to the maximum penalty as authorized by the Magistrate’s Court and as further set forth in the General Penalty, Section 1-8 of the Lexington County Code of Ordinances. Lexington County Animal Services may take immediate possession of an exotic animal and transfer the exotic animal to a rescue group outside of Lexington County or euthanize it.
Enacted this 14th day of January, 2003
George H. Smokey Davis, Chairman
ATTEST:
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Clerk to Council
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