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 Huntersville's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.