Cumberland County, NC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Sec. 3-19 (control required)
- Standard
- Confined or under physical control
- At large
- Impounded at county shelter
- Dangerous dog off-property
- 4-ft leash + muzzle
- Cities
- Fayetteville/Hope Mills set own rules
Summary
In unincorporated Cumberland County, dogs and cats must stay confined or under physical control. Under Code Sec. 3-19, any dog or cat not confined and not under the actual physical control or restraint of its owner is 'running at large' and may be impounded.
"Restraint" means that an animal is actually physically controlled by leash or tether held by a competent person or within any vehicle, trailer or other conveyance being driven, pulled or parked on the street or confined within the property limits of its owner or keeper.
Full Breakdown
Cumberland County's Animal Control Ordinance defines 'Restraint' (Sec. 3-10) as an animal physically controlled by a leash or tether held by a competent person, kept in a vehicle, or confined within the owner's property limits. Sec. 3-19 makes it unlawful to permit or negligently allow any domestic animal or livestock to run at large; a loose dog or cat may be impounded at the county shelter, though a licensed, rabies-vaccinated pet (except a dangerous dog) may be released at the officer's discretion. Fayetteville, Hope Mills, and Spring Lake set their own leash rules inside city limits. A dangerous dog off its owner's property must additionally be leashed (max 4 ft) and muzzled, matching NCGS 67-4.2.
Violations & Fines
Loose animals are impounded; owners pay boarding, vaccination, and other fees plus civil penalties before redemption. Each day of noncompliance is a separate offense. Repeat offenders can be cited as a Nuisance/Reckless Owner and ordered to surrender their animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cumberland County require dogs to be leashed?
What restraint applies to a dangerous dog?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cumberland County
Compare Cumberland County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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