Animal Ordinances in Wilmington, NC (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Wilmington, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Wilmington requires dogs to be on a leash or under control when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment.
Wilmington Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Wilmington does not impose breed-specific bans. North Carolina law does not prohibit specific breeds. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based.
Wilmington Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsN.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 67, Article 1A
modified in subsection (b) of this section, the term: (1) "Dangerous dog" means a. A dog that: 1. Without provocation has killed or inflicted severe injury on a person; or 2. Is determined by the person or Board designated by the county or municipal authority responsible for animal control to be potentially dangerous because the dog has engaged in one or more of the behaviors listed in subdivis...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is generally permitted in Wilmington. Hives must be registered with the NC Department of Agriculture and maintained responsibly.
Wilmington Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsN.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 106, Article 55
§ 106-635. Definitions. As used in this Article: (1) The term "apiary" means bees, comb, hives, appliances, or colonies, wherever they are kept, located, or found. (2) The term "bee(s)" means insects of the superfamily Apoidea; in particular, the honeybees, Apis mellifera (L). It includes all life stages of such insects, their genetic material, and dead remains. (3) The term "beeyard" means a l...
Exotic Pets
North Carolina regulates exotic animal ownership through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Many species require permits or are prohibited.
Wilmington Exotic & Wild Animal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsN.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 14, Article 55
Article 55. Regulation of Certain Reptiles. § 14-416. Mishandling of certain reptiles declared public nuisance and criminal offense. The intentional or negligent exposure of other human beings to unsafe contact with venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes, or crocodilians is essentially dangerous and injurious and detrimental to public health, safety and welfare, and is therefore declared ...
Looking for New Hanover County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Wilmington city rules.
Animal Ordinances in New Hanover County →