Forsyth County, NC Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed ban
- None (county or state)
- State definition
- NCGS 67-4.1 (behavior-based)
- Biting animal
- Sec. 6-17 (impound/measures)
- Confinement authority
- Sec. 6-18 (fence, insurance)
- State penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor (NCGS 67-4.3)
Summary
Forsyth County does not ban any dog breed. North Carolina law (NCGS 67-4.1) defines a 'dangerous dog' by behavior, not breed - a dog that without provocation kills or severely injures a person, is kept for fighting, or is declared potentially dangerous after biting or menacing.
'Dangerous dog' means a. A dog that: 1. Without provocation has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person; or 2. Is determined... to be potentially dangerous... b. Any dog owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting, or any dog trained for dog fighting.
Full Breakdown
Neither Forsyth County's animal ordinance nor North Carolina law bans specific breeds. NCGS 67-4.1 defines a 'dangerous dog' as one that without provocation has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person, or any dog owned or trained for dog fighting, or a dog determined 'potentially dangerous.' A dog is 'potentially dangerous' if it has bitten causing broken bones or disfiguring lacerations, killed or severely injured a domestic animal off the owner's property, or approached a person off-property in a terrorizing manner. The county reaches biting animals through Sec. 6-17 (Animal Bite) and may require confinement measures and liability insurance (Sec. 6-18). Local restraint rules still apply to every dog.
Violations & Fines
Under NCGS 67-4.3, an owner who violates a dangerous-dog restraint order commits a Class 3 misdemeanor. County code violations (biting animal, failure to confine) are a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 (Sec. 6-55).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls or any breeds banned in Forsyth County?
What makes a dog legally 'dangerous' here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
How Forsyth County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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