Lincoln County, NC Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Code §§ 92.11.1-92.11.9
- Basis for classification
- Behavior, not breed
- Level 1 outcome
- Seizure and humane destruction
- Level 2 requirement
- Secure enclosure and $100,000 insurance
- Appeal
- Written appeal to Animal Services Director
Summary
Lincoln County has no breed-specific ban: § 92.11.2 of the Dangerous Dog Ordinance classifies a dog as dangerous or potentially dangerous based on what it actually does, such as biting or killing, not its breed. A level 1 dangerous dog is seized and humanely destroyed at the owner's expense once the appeal period ends.
(A) Dangerous dog. A dangerous dog will be classified as either a level 1 or level 2 dangerous dog based on the following requirements. ... (b) Severely injures a child under the age of 12; (c) When not on the owner's real property, inflicted severe injury to a person; ... (2) Result if deemed level 1. The Animal Services Director or designee shall immediately seize and impound the dog, and order and cause the level 1 dangerous dog to be humanely destroyed at the expense of the owner. No level 1 dangerous dog shall be destroyed until after the appeal period has expired.
Full Breakdown
9, the Dangerous Dog Ordinance lets the Animal Services Director classify a dog as dangerous or potentially dangerous purely on conduct, with no breed named anywhere in the criteria. 2(A), a level 1 dangerous dog is one that killed an unprovoked person, severely injured a child under 12, inflicted severe injury off the owner's property, or repeated a prior level 2 or potentially-dangerous act; a level 1 dog is immediately seized and, once the appeal period expires, humanely destroyed at the owner's expense. 4. 3.
2(C) exempts law enforcement and registered security dogs, herding or predator-control dogs injuring livestock they are working, and dogs that bite someone who was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting them or committing a crime. An owner may appeal a dangerous or potentially dangerous determination in writing to the Animal Services Director.
Violations & Fines
A level 1 dangerous dog is seized and, once any appeal is resolved, humanely destroyed at the owner's expense under § 92.11.2(A)(2). A level 2 or potentially dangerous dog that is not properly confined, muzzled, or insured as required by § 92.11.4 can be impounded and becomes county property on a second violation, in addition to criminal and civil penalties under § 92.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lincoln County ban specific dog breeds like pit bulls?
What happens to a dog declared a level 1 dangerous dog?
Can I appeal a dangerous dog determination in Lincoln County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln County
How Lincoln County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Lincoln County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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