NC H554

Prohibits possession, sale, transfer, and breeding of dangerous wild animals (certain felids, canids, bears, primates, and hyenas) unless exempt, effective December 1, 2015.

Exempts accredited zoos, research facilities, wildlife sanctuaries, veterinary facilities, circuses, and USDA-licensed institutions from the possession ban.

Allows persons who lawfully possessed dangerous wild animals prior to June 1, 2015 to keep them if they register annually with local animal control, maintain $250,000 liability insurance, and comply with containment and notification requirements.

Prohibits public contact with dangerous wild animals and requires permanent escape-proof enclosures with 15-foot safety barriers between animals and the public.

Establishes enforcement procedures allowing law enforcement to seize violating animals, with court proceedings to determine forfeiture and civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, plus Class 2 misdemeanor charges and Class A1 misdemeanor or Class I felony charges for animals causing injury or running loose.