Cumberland County, NC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- At large
- Prohibited (Sec. 3-19)
- Livestock defined
- Sec. 3-10 (equine, bovine, swine)
- Keeping limits
- County UDO zoning
- Right to farm
- NCGS 106-701
- Sanitation
- Required (Sec. 3-27)
Summary
Cumberland County prohibits livestock from running at large. Under Code Sec. 3-19 it is unlawful to permit or negligently allow any domestic animal or livestock to run loose. Where and how many animals you may keep is set by county zoning (UDO), with farms protected by NC's right-to-farm law.
It is unlawful for any owner or person to permit or negligently allow any domestic animal or livestock to run at large. Any dog or cat that is not confined as provided in this Chapter, and not under the actual physical control or restraint of its owner or keeper, shall be deemed to be running at large.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 3-10 defines 'Livestock' to include equine, bovine, sheep, goats, llamas, and swine. Sec. 3-19 makes it unlawful for any owner or person to permit or negligently allow domestic animals or livestock to run at large, and loose animals may be impounded at the county shelter. Keeping livestock is a zoning matter: the Cumberland County Unified Development Ordinance sets which districts permit farm animals and at what lot size and setbacks, and Fayetteville, Hope Mills, and Spring Lake regulate inside their limits. North Carolina's Right to Farm Act (NCGS 106-701) shields established bona fide farms from nuisance suits. Fencing, sanitation (Sec. 3-27), and nuisance provisions (Sec. 3-15) also apply. Confirm your zoning district and any HOA covenants before adding livestock.
Violations & Fines
Livestock running at large is impounded with owner-paid fees and civil penalties; each day is a separate offense (Sec. 3-19). Nuisance conditions are citable under Sec. 3-15 and Sec. 3-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can livestock roam free in Cumberland County?
Where can I keep horses, goats, or swine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cumberland County
How Cumberland County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Cumberland County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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