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

Section 3-1 defines the standard and section 3-8(a) enforces it. An animal is at large when it is off its owner's property and not under direct control of a competent person. Direct control means the animal is controlled and obedient to a competent person's commands, or is within a secure enclosure. A hunting or working dog in the field training or working counts as under direct control. Cats are excluded from the at-large offense.

The leash becomes mandatory for two classes of dog. The restraint definition in section 3-1 says a dog considered potentially dangerous or a public nuisance must be on a leash at all times when off the owner's property. Section 3-8(f) adds that a potentially dangerous dog cannot leave its secure enclosure unless leashed or otherwise securely restrained, and must wear a muzzle that allows it to pant and breathe whenever it is off the owner's property.

The chief animal control officer makes a nuisance finding under section 3-8(d) when an animal commits two or more listed acts, or any combination of two acts one or more times. The acts include chasing, snapping at or molesting pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicle passengers, turning over garbage pails, damaging gardens or other property, and habitually loitering on school grounds or official county recreation areas. The owner has ten days to file written objections, and the animal grievance committee hears the appeal. Once the finding stands, it is unlawful to let the animal run at large or leave the owner's property unless under restraint.

Tethering does not count as restraint under section 3-1. Tethering a household pet at home falls under section 3-8(e)(12), which requires a chain at least ten feet long, swivel hardware at each end, and a tether area of at least 150 square feet.

Other restraint triggers sit elsewhere in the chapter. A female dog in heat must be kept in a secure enclosure or at all times under restraint, and section 3-8(b) says tied to a stationary object does not qualify. A dog four months old or younger must be in a secure enclosure or under restraint or direct control (section 3-9). During a rabies quarantine, dogs must stay confined unless on a leash or under direct control and in sight of a responsible adult (section 3-10).