Winston-Salem's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding deer, raccoons, coyotes, or feral cats in Winston-Salem may be cited as a nuisance if it attracts wildlife. Bird feeding is allowed. NCWRC regulates deer feeding in hunting season.

Key details: Deer Feeding: Nuisance complaints possible. Bird Feeders: Allowed with maintenance. Feral Cats: TNR encouraged. NCWRC: Deer hunting-season rules.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Chickens & Livestock

Winston-Salem allows backyard hens in residential zones with a limit of typically 6 hens per lot. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be at least 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings.

Key details: Hen Limit: 6 hens typical. Roosters: Prohibited. Coop Setback: 15 ft from property line. Dwelling Setback: 25 ft from neighbor home. Slaughter: Prohibited on-site.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Exotic Pets

Winston-Salem bans inherently dangerous exotics: big cats, bears, wolves, primates, and venomous reptiles. N.C.G.S. 14-417 requires state permits for venomous reptiles.

Key details: Big Cats: Prohibited. Primates: Prohibited. Venomous Reptiles: N.C.G.S. 14-417 permit. Fine: 500 dollars plus seizure. Common Reptiles: Allowed.

Civil penalty 500 dollars plus animal seizure and boarding costs. Venomous reptile violations are Class 2 misdemeanors under N.C.G.S. 14-418.

This is one of the stricter rules in Winston-Salem's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Winston-Salem bans no dog breeds. NC has no BSL preemption, but the city uses a behavior-based dangerous dog rule under N.C.G.S. 67-4.1 instead of breed legislation. HOAs may set their own breed rules.

Key details: Breed Bans: None in Winston-Salem. Framework: N.C.G.S. 67-4.1 behavior-based. State Preemption: None on breed. Insurance: 100,000 dollars for dangerous dogs. HOAs: May ban specific breeds.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

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

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs in Winston-Salem must be leashed on a 6-foot max leash when off the owner's property. Dogs at large face impoundment by Forsyth County Animal Control. Designated dog parks allow off-leash.

Key details: Max Leash: 6 feet. Voice Control: Not allowed. State Law: N.C.G.S. 67-12. Dog Parks: Washington Park, Bolton Park. First Fine: 50 dollars plus fees.

First violation: 50 dollars plus impound fees. Second: 100 dollars. Running-at-large at night: misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. 67-12.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Winston-Salem actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Pet Limits

Winston-Salem limits households to a combined total of 4 dogs and cats over 4 months of age in residential zones without a kennel permit. Additional animals require a special use permit and larger-lot zoning.

Key details: Dog/Cat Limit: 4 combined over 4 months. Kennel Permit: Required for 5 or more. Minimum Lot: 1 acre for kennel. Rabies: Required under N.C.G.S. 130A-185. Puppies/Kittens: Under 4 months exempt.

Exceeding the limit without a kennel permit: 100 dollars first offense, up to 500 dollars continuing. Animals may be seized or re-homed if conditions are inadequate.

Beekeeping

Backyard beekeeping is allowed in Winston-Salem with setbacks. Hives must sit at least 10 feet from property lines, with a 6-foot flyway barrier near neighbors. Annual NC Dept of Agriculture registration required.

Key details: Allowed: Yes in residential zones. Setback: 10 feet from property lines. Flyway Barrier: 6 ft if within 25 ft of neighbor. Hive Limit: 2 to 4 on small lots. Registration: NC Dept of Agriculture.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

Winston-Salem is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Winston-Salem, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Winston-Salem can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.