North Carolina Leash Laws

North Carolina has no general statewide leash law, but several state statutes restrict dogs running at large in specific situations, and local governments fill in the rest.

North Carolina leash law at a glance

What North Carolina state law says

• G.S. 67-12 bars letting a dog over 6 months run at large at night without supervision.
• Cities may regulate dogs at large by ordinance (160A-186).
• During a declared rabies quarantine, animals must be confined unless leashed or supervised (130A-194).
• Dangerous dogs off the owner's property must be leashed and muzzled (67-4.2).

Local leash ordinances

In practice, the leash rule you need to follow is usually your city or county ordinance. Local codes typically require a leash or other physical control in public places, allow off-leash play only in designated areas, and set fines for dogs at large.

Staying on the right side of the law

• Keep your dog leashed in public unless you are in a posted off-leash area.
• Make sure your dog wears a current license and rabies tag, since a loose dog without tags is the one most likely to be impounded.
• If your dog has been declared dangerous, stricter leash, muzzle and enclosure rules apply; see the dangerous dog section of North Carolina dog bite laws.
• A dog that runs loose and injures someone can create liability for the owner, so a leash is also your best protection.
• Leash training makes compliance easy; a local dog trainer can help with pulling and recall.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: North Carolina dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws