Burke County, NC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Chapter 6's definitions section spells out exactly what counts as being at large and what counts as restraint. An animal is "at large" if it is found off the property of its owner and not under restraint, if it has a prior at-large complaint and is found unrestrained anywhere, or if it is a previously determined dangerous animal not confined to a secure enclosure while on its owner's property (§ 6-1). An animal is under restraint if it is controlled by a chain, leash, or similar device; inside or on a vehicle being driven or parked; inside a secure enclosure; or inside the owner's dwelling (§ 6-1).

Article III's general impoundment rule then makes the consequence explicit: any animal that appears lost, stray, or unwanted, or is found without a valid rabies tag, and is not under restraint in violation of the chapter, shall be impounded by the Animal Services Department by any means necessary and confined at the county animal services center in a humane manner (§ 6-71). Impoundment does not excuse the owner from any other penalty the chapter imposes (§ 6-71). All impounded animals are scanned for a microchip so Animal Services can attempt to notify the legal owner. Reclamation requires paying veterinary, boarding, and other fees the Board of Commissioners has approved, within 72 hours of notice (§ 6-73(a)).