Rockingham County, NC Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot for unfenced livestock
- 1 acre or more
- Under 1 acre
- Fence or restraint required
- Enforcing agency
- Sheriff's animal control division
- Governing chapter
- Chapter 4, Animals and Fowl
Summary
Rockingham County requires livestock and other animals to be fenced or restrained unless kept on a lot of one acre or more.
Restraint of animals (on one acre or more). Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, any animal kept on a lot or parcel of real property one acre or greater in size does not have to be kept within a fence or other secure enclosure, or under any physical restraint while on such premises. This exemption does not relieve any person of the duty to prevent his animal from constituting a nuisance under section 4-8.
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 4-7, the county's definition of "animal" covers every living creature, domestic or non-domestic, not just dogs and cats, so cattle, goats, horses, and other livestock fall under this rule. On lots under one acre, livestock must be kept in a fence, secure enclosure, or under physical restraint. On lots of one acre or larger, livestock can roam unfenced, but the owner still must prevent the animals from becoming a public nuisance under Sec. 4-8.
Violations & Fines
Livestock running at large can be picked up by animal control or the sheriff's department and taken to the county holding facility; owners are also liable under the Sec. 4-8 public-nuisance provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep chickens or goats on a small residential lot in Rockingham County?
Do I need a fence if my property is one acre or bigger?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockingham County
How Rockingham County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Rockingham County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.