NC H577

Prohibits ownership, possession, import, purchase, breeding, and sale of big cats (genus Panthera, Neofelis, and cheetahs), bears, hyenas, and great apes in North Carolina, effective December 1, 2019, with exceptions for licensed institutions, research facilities, wildlife sanctuaries, veterinary providers, circuses, and motion picture/television productions.

Allows persons who lawfully possessed these animals prior to June 1, 2019, to continue ownership under strict conditions including registration with local animal control, maintenance of veterinary records, compliance with transport and containment requirements, and posting warning signs on premises.

Persons violating the prohibition face Class 2 misdemeanor charges and civil penalties up to $5,000 per animal; violations resulting in property damage constitute Class A1 misdemeanor; violations causing serious bodily injury constitute Class I felony with strict liability.

Law enforcement officers may seize animals in violation, with judicial hearings held within 14 days; forfeited animals transfer to compliant institutions or may be humanely euthanized if no suitable facility accepts custody.

Requires the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources to study safety requirements and regulations for exempt institutions by April 1, 2020.