Rockingham County, NC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Sec. 4-7
- 1st violation
- $25 civil penalty
- 3rd+ violation
- $100 civil penalty
- Acreage exemption
- Lots one acre or larger
- Enforcement
- Seizure to county shelter
Summary
Rockingham County requires dogs off the owner's property, or on lots under an acre, to be leashed, caged, or fenced: running at large draws civil penalties and possible seizure.
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any animal, excluding cats, to keep such animal whether on or off his premises unless such animal is under sufficient physical restraint such as a leash, bridle, cage or similar device which restrains and controls the animal, or within a vehicle or adequately contained by a fence on the premises or other secure enclosure. If the owner possesses and maintains an effective and working invisible fence system to restrain his animals, a visible and permanent sign must be on the premises that states an invisible fence system is in use. For purposes of this subsection, an animal shall be considered under sufficient physical restraint when it is on the premises of its owner and under the direct and immediate control of a person of suitable age and discretion who is present supervising the animal.
(2) Restraint of animals (on one acre or more). Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, any animal kept on a lot or parcel of real property one acre or greater in size does not have to be kept within a fence or other secure enclosure, or under any physical restraint while on such premises. This exemption does not relieve any person of the duty to prevent his animal from constituting a nuisance under section 4-8 .
(b) Hunting/working dogs exempted. This chapter shall not be interpreted as restricting persons owning specially trained
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 4-7 of the county code, any animal other than a cat must be kept under sufficient physical restraint, a leash, bridle, cage, secure fence, or posted invisible-fence system, whenever it is off the owner's premises, or on premises smaller than one acre unless a responsible person is directly supervising it. Animals on lots of one acre or larger may go unrestrained on that property, but the owner still must prevent a nuisance. Animal control or law enforcement can seize any dog or cat found running at large and hold it at the county shelter. Trained hunting and working dogs under voice command are exempt in unincorporated areas.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties escalate under the Sec. 4-7 fee schedule: $25 for a first at-large violation, $50 for a second, and $100 for the third and each later violation, on top of misdemeanor liability under G.S. 14-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog run loose on my own property in Rockingham County?
What happens if animal control catches my dog at large?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockingham County
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