Buncombe County, NC Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed ban
- None (county or state)
- State definition
- NCGS 67-4.1 (behavior-based)
- County definition
- Sec. 6-28 (dangerous animal)
- Restraint required
- Locked pen or muzzle; no tether
- Keeping penalty
- Level III civil, up to $500
Summary
Buncombe County does not ban any dog breed. Both the county code (Sec. 6-28) and NC state law (NCGS 67-4.1) define a 'dangerous dog' by behavior, not breed. A dog is dangerous only if it kills or severely injures without provocation, or is declared potentially dangerous.
Dangerous animal. (1) An animal that: a. Without provocation has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person; b. Without provocation has killed or inflicted severe injury on another domestic animal; c. Is determined by the animal control officer to be a potentially dangerous animal. (2) Any animal owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting.
Full Breakdown
Neither Buncombe County's animal ordinance nor North Carolina law bans specific breeds. NCGS 67-4.1 defines a 'dangerous dog' as one that, without provocation, killed or inflicted severe injury on a person, or that is owned/trained for dog fighting, or a dog declared 'potentially dangerous.' The county code's Sec. 6-28 mirrors this: a dangerous animal is one that without provocation killed or inflicted severe injury on a person or domestic animal, or was determined potentially dangerous. A dangerous or potentially dangerous animal must be confined in a securely enclosed, locked pen or securely restrained and muzzled off the owner's property; tethering does not satisfy this.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a dangerous animal is a Level III civil penalty under Sec. 6-106 ($100 first offense up to $500). Failure to comply with a dangerous-dog order is Level III (Sec. 6-61).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls or any breeds banned in Buncombe County?
What makes a dog legally 'dangerous' here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buncombe County
How Buncombe County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Buncombe County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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