Forsyth County, NC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Sec. 6-13 (running at large)
- Applies to
- All animals, including cats
- Public parks
- Dogs must be leashed
- Hunting dogs
- Excluded if legally hunting
- Enforcement
- Sheriff's Animal Services Division
Summary
In Forsyth County it is unlawful to let any animal, including cats, run at large (Sec. 6-13). Dogs must be leashed in any public park, except inside a legal dog park. Legally hunting dogs are excluded if not trespassing. Loose animals may be impounded.
It shall be unlawful for any person having possession, custody, control, or ownership of an animal (including cats) to allow that animal to run at large. Hunting dogs shall be excluded provided they are legally hunting and not trespassing. Dogs must be leashed when in any public park.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 6, Sec. 6-13 (Running at Large Prohibited) governs the whole county and is enforced by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Division. Within Winston-Salem city limits, dogs must instead be contained to the owner's property by a fence adequate in height and construction to keep the resident dog in and other dogs and children out; underground or 'invisible' fencing is not sufficient. The City of Winston-Salem and incorporated towns have enacted their own local restraint-of-dogs laws, which Animal Services also enforces. Animals found running at large are impounded (Sec. 6-44).
Violations & Fines
A violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500 (Sec. 6-55(a)), plus civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to leash my dog in Forsyth County?
Are hunting dogs exempt from the leash rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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