North Carolina does not have a statewide law that outright bans tethering or chaining dogs outside. However, state law does prohibit cruel restraint. Specifically, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to “maliciously restrain a dog using a chain or wire grossly in excess of the size necessary to restrain the dog safely.” The law targets intentional, harmful restraint rather than all forms of tethering.
Local Ordinances: Key Differences
Many cities and counties in North Carolina have their own, often much stricter, rules about chaining or tethering dogs:
- Chapel Hill: All outdoor tethering of dogs with chains or runners is banned.
- Cumberland County: Dogs may only be tethered outdoors if the owner is outside and within sight of the animal. There are specific exceptions (e.g., during animal events, veterinary treatment, or if a permit is obtained for safety reasons). Tethering must follow rules about collar type, tether weight, length (at least 12 feet), and access to shelter and water. Violations can lead to the dog being seized and forfeited.
- Burlington: Tethering is only allowed in certain situations and never for more than 7 consecutive days. Sick, injured, or young dogs (under 1 year) may never be tethered. There are also requirements for tether length, collar type, and access to shelter and water. Repeated violations can result in misdemeanor charges and fines.
- Raleigh: Dogs may not be tethered for more than 3 hours in any 24-hour period. Tethers must be at least 10 feet long, attached to a buckle collar or harness, and allow access to food, water, and shelter. Violations can result in civil penalties of $100 per day.
Common Local Requirements
- Tethers must not be too heavy (typically no more than 10% of the dog’s body weight).
- Tether must be long enough (often at least 10–12 feet).
- Dogs must have access to adequate shelter, food, and water.
- Only certain collar types are allowed (no choke, prong, or head harnesses).
- Tethering is often banned for puppies, sick, or injured dogs.
- Owners often must be present or within sight if a dog is tethered.
Penalties
- Violating local tethering laws can result in warnings, fines, misdemeanor charges, and even seizure of the animal.
Table: Tethering Laws in North Carolina
| Area | Maximum Tether Time | Owner Presence Required | Special Requirements | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | No time limit (unless cruel) | No | No cruel or malicious restraint | Class 1 misdemeanor for cruelty |
| Chapel Hill | Prohibited | N/A | No outdoor chaining allowed | Local penalties |
| Cumberland County | Only while owner present | Yes | Min. 12 ft tether, collar type, shelter, etc. | Seizure, forfeiture |
| Burlington | 7 days max | Sometimes | No sick/young dogs, min. 10 ft, collar, etc. | Fines, misdemeanor |
| Raleigh | 3 hours/24 hrs | No | Min. 10 ft, collar/harness, shelter, etc. | $100/day fine |
- It is not illegal statewide to leave your pet chained outside in North Carolina, but it is illegal to do so in a cruel or harmful way under state law.
- Many cities and counties have much stricter rules-in some places, leaving your dog chained outside unattended is illegal or highly restricted.
- Always check your local ordinances, as rules and penalties vary widely across North Carolina.
Sources
[1] https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/police/public-information/dog-tethering-restrictions
[2] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/north-carolina/cumberland-county-north-carolina/
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/north-carolina/
[4] https://www.burlingtonnc.gov/1608/Tethering-Restrictions
[5] https://raleighnc.gov/safety/services/animal-control/dog-tethering-ordinance-and-leash-law