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

Cleveland County Code § 3-33(b)(4) makes it a public nuisance for a dog to be found without restraint, off its owner's property, on a public highway, street, roadway or sidewalk. Restraint is defined in § 3-1 as keeping the animal under the immediate physical control of a person capable of restraining it, by collar and leash, or by passive control such as a fence, kennel, or confinement inside a residence. When Animal Services' investigation supports a violation, the director issues a written containment order under § 3-32 that can require a secure fence at least four feet high (six feet for dogs over fifteen inches at the shoulder or able to climb a standard fence) enclosing at least 150 square feet.

A repeat violation after that order draws a $100 citation the first time and $200 for every one after, plus attorney's fees the county incurs enforcing the case. Every violation of § 3-33 is also a class 3 misdemeanor under § 3-26, punishable by up to a $500 fine, and each day the dog is loose is a separate offense under § 3-27. Separately, § 3-6 lets Animal Services impound any dog found off-leash and unrestrained that is not wearing a collar and current rabies tag, holding it at the county shelter for at least seventy-two hours while trying to locate the owner. Owners can appeal a containment order or civil penalty in writing within ten days under §§ 3-30 and 3-32(e).