North Carolina criminalizes animal cruelty under N.C.G.S. Chapter 14, Article 47, applying uniform statewide standards that prosecute neglect, hoarding, and inadequate care of animals.
N.C.G.S. 14-360 prohibits cruelty to animals, including depriving animals of necessary sustenance, shelter, and veterinary care. Felony cruelty charges apply for malicious acts under 14-360(b). While not labeled hoarding specifically, prosecutors apply these statutes to hoarding cases involving neglect of large numbers of animals. The Civil Remedy for Protection of Animals under N.C.G.S. 19A-1 through 19A-4 allows civil action to enjoin animal cruelty and seek custody of mistreated animals statewide.
Class 1 misdemeanor for cruelty; Class H felony for malicious cruelty; civil seizure under Chapter 19A; restitution and forfeiture
See how Cornelius's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
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