In North Carolina, it is not outright illegal to leave your pet chained or tethered outside, but there are important legal restrictions and protections for animals that all pet owners must follow.
At the state level, North Carolina law (NC GS § 14-362.3) makes it illegal 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 intentionally restraining the animal with malice or bad motive. Violating this law is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This means that if a dog is chained in a way that is unnecessarily cruel or dangerous, the owner can face criminal charges.
Many cities and counties in North Carolina have enacted stricter local ordinances regarding tethering. For example, in the City of Raleigh, a dog may not be tethered for more than three hours total in any 24-hour period, and tethering devices must meet specific safety requirements—such as being at least 10 feet long, attached to a proper collar or harness, and allowing the dog access to food, water, and shelter. In Cumberland County, dogs can only be tethered outdoors if the owner is outside and within sight of the animal at all times, with additional requirements for the type and length of tether. Some municipalities, like Clayton, completely prohibit tethering or chaining dogs for any length of time.
Additionally, leaving animals outside in extreme weather conditions without proper shelter, food, or water can be considered animal cruelty under North Carolina law, and law enforcement may intervene to protect the animal.
While North Carolina does not have a blanket ban on chaining or tethering pets outside, there are significant legal protections in place to prevent animal cruelty and neglect. Owners must ensure that any tethering is done safely, humanely, and in compliance with both state law and local ordinances. Violations can result in criminal charges and civil penalties.
Sources
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/north-carolina/
[2] https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
[3] https://raleighnc.gov/safety/services/animal-control/dog-tethering-ordinance-and-leash-law
[4] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/north-carolina/cumberland-county-north-carolina/
[5] https://www.townofclaytonnc.org/Faq.aspx?QID=100
