Guilford County, NC Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 5-12(a) makes it unlawful to own, maintain or harbor a dangerous or vicious animal except as the chapter allows, and the chapter's Sec. 5-1 definition of "dangerous or vicious animal" is entirely behavior-based, covering unprovoked chasing, biting, attacking or a known propensity to attack, with no breed named or excluded. Once an officer determines an animal is dangerous, Sec. 5-12(b) requires the officer to notify the owner in writing, and the owner must surrender the animal to the county shelter or an approved veterinary clinic within 24 hours.

After six working days, the shelter can order forfeiture of ownership to the county or require compliance with the enclosure standards in Sec. 5-12(e). S. 1 by submitting a written request within five working days, and the board can require a deposit covering ten days of veterinary boarding costs. If the owner keeps the animal, Sec. 5-12(e) requires, within 30 days of the declaration (or 15 days after a losing appeal), a freestanding enclosure at least 15 by 6 by 6 feet on a 4-inch concrete pad, welded 12-gauge chain-link walls on galvanized poles sunk 18 inches into concrete, a child-resistant lock, and a warning sign of at least 120 square inches with a graphic symbol visible from adjoining property. Failure to maintain that enclosure is itself a separate violation.