Animal Ordinances in Horace, ND: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Horace or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Horace has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Beekeeping

Horace allows beekeeping with registration through the ND Department of Agriculture. North Dakota is the top honey-producing state and beekeeping is broadly supported.

Key details: State Registration: Required - ND Dept of Ag. Hive Limit: 2 to 4 residential typical. State Law: NDCC §36-12 apiary. ND Ranking: #1 honey producer in US.

Unregistered hives: ND Dept of Agriculture penalties apply. Local violations: $50 to $200 fines. Nuisance complaints may require hive relocation or removal.

The rules around beekeeping in Horace lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Dog Leash Laws

Horace requires dogs to be on a leash or under owner control when off the owner's property. Local animal control enforces leash laws and at-large violations.

Key details: Leash Length: 6 to 10 ft maximum. State Law: NDCC §36-21.2 liability. Impound Fee: $50 to $100 plus boarding. Topic: Dog Leash Laws.

Dog at large: $25 to $75 first offense, $100 to $200 repeat. Impound fees: $50 to $100 plus $15 to $25 per day boarding. Dangerous dog designation possible for repeated incidents.

Chickens & Livestock

Horace regulates keeping of chickens and livestock through zoning ordinances. North Dakota's agricultural heritage means many communities are more permissive than urban areas in other states.

Key details: Hens Allowed: 4 to 12 typical in residential. Roosters: Generally prohibited in city. Coop Setback: 10 to 25 ft from property line. Right-to-Farm: NDCC §42-04.

Keeping prohibited animals: fines of $50 to $200 and order to remove. Sanitation violations: $100 to $300. Right-to-farm protections under NDCC §42-04 may apply to agricultural zones.

Horace is more permissive than most cities when it comes to chickens & livestock. That said, there are still limits.

Breed Restrictions

Horace may have breed-specific legislation targeting certain dog breeds. North Dakota does not have a statewide breed ban, leaving regulation to individual municipalities.

Key details: State Preemption: None - local control. Common Targets: Pit bulls, Rottweilers. State Framework: NDCC §36-21.2 dangerous dog. Topic: Breed Restrictions.

Keeping a restricted breed without compliance: fines of $100 to $500. Dogs may be impounded pending compliance. Repeat violations may result in mandatory rehoming.

The rules around breed restrictions in Horace lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Horace gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 3 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Horace's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.