North Carolina’s laws on leaving pets—particularly dogs—chained or tethered outside are a patchwork of state statutes and local ordinances, with significant variation depending on where you live. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what the law says and what pet owners need to know.
State Law: Cruel Restraint Is a Crime
At the state level, North Carolina prohibits the cruel restraint of dogs. According to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-362.3, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to maliciously restrain a dog using a chain or wire that is “grossly in excess of the size necessary to restrain the dog safely”. The law defines “maliciously” as acting with bad motive or intent, so prosecution typically requires evidence that the restraint was intentionally cruel.
However, the state law does not set a specific time limit for how long a dog can be tethered, nor does it ban the practice outright. Instead, it targets situations where the chaining is excessive, dangerous, or intentionally harmful.
Local Ordinances: Stricter Rules in Many Cities and Counties
Many North Carolina municipalities and counties have enacted their own, often stricter, regulations regarding tethering and chaining:
- Raleigh: Dogs may not be tethered for more than three hours total in any 24-hour period. The tether must be at least 10 feet long, attached to a buckle-type collar or body harness, and allow access to food and water. Violations can result in a $100 civil penalty per day, and in some cases, misdemeanor charges.
- Cumberland County: Chaining or tethering dogs to stationary objects outdoors is prohibited, except for brief periods when the caretaker is present or during specific activities (like veterinary care or lawful hunting). Violators face fines and possible cruelty investigations.
- New Bern: Continuous tethering is prohibited except in specific circumstances (e.g., during lawful animal events, hunting, or when temporarily securing a stray).
- Surry County: Tethering is regulated, requiring a minimum cable length and the use of a buckle-type collar or body harness. The law also mandates adequate food, water, and shelter.
These local ordinances aim to prevent neglect, injury, and exposure to harsh weather, and they often include additional requirements for shelter, food, and water.
Weather-Related Protections
Animal welfare advocates and organizations such as PETA highlight that leaving animals outside in extreme weather—cold, heat, storms—can be considered criminal neglect or cruelty under state and local laws. Some proposed state legislation would make it illegal statewide to tether dogs outside during freezing temperatures, extreme heat, or storms, but as of now, such measures have not passed at the state level7.
Penalties and Enforcement
- Violating local tethering ordinances can result in civil fines (often $100 per day) and, in severe cases, criminal charges.
- State law violations involving malicious or cruel restraint can lead to misdemeanor charges and, in cases of severe neglect or cruelty, confiscation of the animal.
- Animal services officers and law enforcement are empowered to investigate and enforce these laws, and cruelty investigations may be initiated if an animal is found chained in dangerous or inhumane conditions.
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners
- Check Local Laws: The legality of leaving a pet chained outside depends heavily on local ordinances. Many cities and counties in North Carolina have strict limits or outright bans on the practice.
- State Law: While not a blanket ban, state law prohibits malicious or grossly excessive chaining and can be used to prosecute cases of cruelty.
- Weather Matters: Leaving pets outside in extreme weather without adequate shelter, food, and water can result in criminal charges.
- Civil and Criminal Penalties: Fines, misdemeanor charges, and even seizure of animals are possible consequences for violations.
While it is not universally illegal across North Carolina to leave your pet chained outside, many local jurisdictions have made it unlawful or heavily restricted the practice. Even where it is not explicitly banned, state law prohibits cruel or excessive restraint, and animal neglect or cruelty statutes may apply—especially in cases involving dangerous weather or lack of basic necessities. Pet owners should always check their local ordinances and prioritize their animals’ welfare to avoid legal trouble and, more importantly, to ensure humane treatment.
Sources
- https://raleighnc.gov/safety/services/animal-control/dog-tethering-ordinance-and-leash-law
- https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/urgent-from-peta-leaving-animals-outside-is-a-crime-in-north-carolina/
- https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/vd-public-information/news_releases/2009/July/New_Ordinance_Prohibits_Chaining_of_Dogs__07072009.pdf
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/north-carolina/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/north-carolina/new-bern-north-carolina/
