Does North Carolina Have Breed-Specific Dog Laws?
North Carolina does not have statewide breed-specific laws about dangerous dogs. However, some communities have enacted prohibitions on specific dog breeds to protect residents from the risk of dog bite injuries and dangerous dog attacks.
If you own a dog and are moving to a different city in North Carolina, or if you’re considering getting a particular breed of dog, it may be prudent to look into the local dog bite laws. If a dangerous dog has bitten you in an unprovoked attack, consider a free consultation with an experienced North Carolina dog bite lawyer to discuss your options. You may have the right to seek compensation in a dog bite case.
What Is a Breed-Specific Law?
A breed-specific law is a regulation that restricts or bans certain dog breeds based on their actual or perceived danger. Breed-specific laws typically target specific breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Chow Chows. The regulations may prohibit ownership outright, require strict containment measures, or impose higher insurance requirements.
Supporters of breed-specific laws argue that they enhance public safety. However, opponents believe the laws unfairly target specific breeds rather than address cases of irresponsible ownership and aggressive behaviors that any dog could exhibit.
If There Is No Statewide Ban, Are There Certain North Carolina Cities That Have Breed-Specific Bans?
Some North Carolina cities and counties have enacted breed-specific bans or restrictions. For example
- Edenton prohibits unregistered bull terriers (including pit bulls and Staffordshires), Rottweilers, and Chow Chows.
- Lumberton prohibits unregistered bull terriers (including pit bulls and Staffordshires), Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and known or suspected mixes of the above.
- The City of Jacksonville, doesn’t have breed-specific laws on the books. However, Camp Lejeune, in keeping with Marine Corps standards, prohibits pit bulls, Rottweilers, canid/wolf hybrids, and other aggressive breeds on the base.
Some municipalities may impose strict regulations, such as mandatory muzzling or higher liability insurance requirements for owners of specific breeds. Local laws vary. So, dog owners should always check the ordinances in their city or county rather than make assumptions based on their experiences elsewhere. Local regulations may determine the dog owner’s liability in the event of a dog bite incident involving a restricted breed.
What Are the Dog Laws in North Carolina?
North Carolina law regulates the ownership of dangerous dogs in the interest of protecting public safety. Under state law, a dangerous dog is defined as one that:
- Without provocation, has killed or severely injured a person
- Has been used in dog fighting or trained for that purpose
- Has been deemed potentially dangerous by local authorities due to behaviors such as:
- Inflicting serious injuries (broken bones, disfiguring lacerations)
- Harming someone to the point that they required cosmetic surgery or hospitalization
- Engaging in unprovoked attacks or aggressive actions off the owner’s property
- Killing or severely injuring another domestic animal.
Owners of dogs classified as dangerous must comply with strict requirements, including keeping the dog in a secure enclosure and using a leash and muzzle when taking the dog off their property. Violating these regulations can lead to criminal charges. If a dog has been declared a “dangerous dog,” then strict liability applies in North Carolina. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. So, dog owners should be aware of their municipal laws.
What Is the One-Bite Rule in North Carolina?
For most dogs, North Carolina follows the one-bite rule, which can limit an owner’s dog bite liability if the dog hasn’t previously shown aggressive behavior. Under this rule, a dog owner may not be held responsible for a bite unless they knew or should have reasonably known that their dog had a history of dangerous tendencies. Owners of dangerous dogs are held to a stricter standard.
What Is the Strict Liability Law in North Carolina?
North Carolina imposes strict liability on dog owners in certain situations, regardless of whether the owner was aware the dog was dangerous. If a dog has been declared a “dangerous dog,” then strict liability applies in North Carolina.
So, in North Carolina, dog bite victims do not need to prove the dog owner acted negligently to recover compensation in a dog bite claim or dog bite lawsuit. In addition to civil liability, owners of dangerous dogs who fail to follow legal requirements regarding their pets may face criminal penalties.
What Should You Do if You Have Been Bitten by a Dog in North Carolina?
If a dog bites you, it’s necessary to take immediate steps to protect your health and preserve evidence.
- Document the incident by taking photos of the injury, the dog, and the location.
- Get the dog owner’s contact information and ask about the dog’s vaccination status.
- Report the bite to the Onslow County Animal Services or local law enforcement.
- Seek immediate medical attention. In the days and weeks following the incident, monitor your injury for signs of infection and follow all medical treatment recommendations.
- Keep copies of medical bills, receipts, and prescriptions to document your medical expenses.
Once you have addressed your immediate needs, contact a North Carolina dog bite lawyer to learn about your rights and whether a dog bite injury claim is appropriate. Share your account of the attack and the evidence you have gathered with your lawyer to get their perspective on whether you might have a viable dog bite claim. Often, an animal owner’s homeowners insurance policy will cover the costs of a dog bite as a type of premises liability claim.
An experienced dog bite attorney can review the dog bite accident and answer questions about the process of pursuing full and fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, emotional harm, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Contact a North Carolina Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
A dog attack can be a harrowing experience that leaves a bite victim grappling with severe physical injuries, a lengthy recovery process, permanent scarring, and substantial emotional distress. Regardless of whether the dog that bit you was an aggressive breed, you may have a right to pursue compensation for your medical costs and other expenses if the animal’s owner knew or should have known the dog’s tendency to bite.
At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., we have decades of combined experience helping Jacksonville and Onslow County residents hold irresponsible dog owners accountable for injuries resulting from unprovoked attacks. Please read what our many satisfied clients have to say about the legal representation we provide.
Our attorneys and staff are ready to provide the support and legal advocacy you need during a difficult time. Let us manage your dog bite lawsuit while you focus on your health. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
