{"id":375417,"date":"2019-05-14T12:55:45","date_gmt":"2019-05-14T17:55:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-dog-bite-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-20T11:27:02","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T16:27:02","slug":"north-carolina-dog-bite-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-dog-bite-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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North Carolina Dog Bite Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

While often called man’s best friend, the sad truth is that dogs sometimes revert to their wolf-like nature and attack people. More than 4.5 million people<\/a> suffer some dog bite attack injury in the U.S. every year. Few things are more terrifying to experience than a dog attack<\/a>. Equally as difficult is dealing with a dog bite attack by your beloved family pet. In the aftermath of a dog bite injury, questions about what happens next and who is liable<\/a> will be your main focus.<\/p>\r\n

Every state has different statutes, so it’s important to understand every aspect of North Carolina’s dog bite laws. In this article, you’ll learn who is responsible in dog bite cases, the laws you’ll encounter, what to do if you’re a dog bite victim, and more. Read on to become well-versed about the dog bite laws in the Tarheel State.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina Dog Laws Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

While most dogs are family pets, North Carolina recognizes that every canine can potentially threaten public health by exhibiting aggressive behavior. While there isn’t a statewide leash law, and dogs have more freedom to be at large than in other states, North Carolina has statutes against dogs running free at night and females being loose while in heat.<\/p>\r\n

Cities and municipalities can add their own restrictions as well. For example, dogs in Charlotte not contained on their owner’s property must always be on a leash \u2014 unless in a designated area such as a fenced-in dog run. Raleigh has an ordinance<\/a> forbidding dog tethering for more than three hours daily.<\/p>\r\n

Dog owners who fail to contain a dog they know is dangerous can face criminal charges if the dog escapes or harms someone. A still-at-large dog that kills humans, domestic animals, or sheep can be killed by anyone without penalty.<\/p>\r\n

After a Dog Bite Attack: Who Is Responsible?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If you’re a dog bite victim or have suffered any sort of injury from a dog attack, the most important thing is to seek medical attention<\/a> as soon as possible. After attending to your injuries, file a dog bite report<\/a> with local authorities. This will alert animal control and others to the threat of an aggressive dog and lay the groundwork for any legal steps you take in the future.<\/p>\r\n

North Carolina is a strict liability<\/a> state, which means that under most circumstances, the dog’s owner is liable for any injuries or damage caused by the dog. You don’t have to prove that the owner was negligent<\/a> as long as their dog caused a severe injury. The dog owner’s insurance company often covers the victim’s medical expenses. You can check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure coverage.<\/p>\r\n

Since North Carolina also follows the pure contributory negligence doctrine<\/a>, things can get a little complicated. If the victim is at fault, they aren’t eligible for damages. If your dog caused a dog bite injury, you may have a solid defense if the victim was:<\/p>\r\n