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

Sec. 6-8 defines "dangerous dog" as one that without provocation has killed or severely injured a person, one owned or trained for fighting, or a "potentially dangerous dog" as determined by the chief animal control officer based on a severe bite, killing or severely injuring a domestic animal off the owner's property, or approaching a person off-property in a vicious or terrorizing manner. Sec. 6-75(a)(1) requires the officer to notify the owner in writing of the reasons for a potentially-dangerous determination; the owner may appeal within three business days to the Union County Consolidated Human Services Board, or an ad hoc three-person board appointed by the county manager if a quorum can't be seated within ten days, with a hearing scheduled within ten days of the filing.

Pending appeal, the dog must stay in a secure enclosure; a second complaint during that period triggers impoundment at the owner's expense (a)(2). Sec. 6-75(b) requires a secure enclosure, a warning sign at least 8½ by 11 inches visible from the public road, and notice to animal control within 24 hours of any escape or attack (calling 911 after shelter hours). Outside the enclosure, the dog must be muzzled and restrained on a chain rated at least 300 pounds and no more than three feet long, under an owner physically able to control it (c).

Transfers of ownership require written notice to the chief officer and a signed acknowledgment from the new owner (d). Law enforcement dogs, lawful hunting dogs, and dogs defending against a trespasser or attacker are exempted (e); a minor owner's parent or guardian is liable for noncompliance (f).