Animal Ordinances in Winston-Salem, NC

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, there are 5 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.

Dog Leash Laws

Winston-Salem requires dogs off the owner's property to be leashed, chained, or otherwise under a competent person's physical control, while dogs left unattended outdoors on the owner's property must be tethered, fenced, or secured in an enclosure; violators face escalating fines and impoundment.

Key details: Off-property control: Leash, chain, rope, or physical control. On-property restraint: Tether, fence, or secure enclosure. First violation fine: $50.00. Third+ violation fine: $100.00. Enforcing agency: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Animal Services.

First violation $50, second $75, third and subsequent $100; penalties collected by Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Animal Services Division at redemption, with offenses tracked for three years.

Chickens & Livestock

Winston-Salem requires anyone keeping horses, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, or cattle within city limits to fence and shelter them at least 50 feet from any adjoining property line, or obtain a special use permit under the Unified Development Ordinance.

Key details: Setback: 50 feet from adjoining property line. Permit alternative: Special use permit under UDO § 6-1.4. Manure removal: Every 5 days (Mar-Sep), weekly rest of year. Covered animals: Horses, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, cattle. Penalty: $20/day civil penalty after 5 days.

Violating the shelter, fencing, or setback requirements is a civil matter enforced under Chapter 6's nuisance procedure, with a $20 daily civil penalty after five days of an uncorrected notice of violation.

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.

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

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.

The Bottom Line

Winston-Salem's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Winston-Salem is broadly strict or permissive.

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.