Animal Ordinances in Winston-Salem, NC (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog 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.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed 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.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsN.C.G.S. 67-4.1 and 67-4.5 (Dangerous Dogs)
(a) As used in this Article, unless the context clearly requires otherwise and except as 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...
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.
Animals: Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsN.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 106, art. 55 - North Carolina Bee and Honey Act of 1977
to protect the bee and honey industry in North Carolina from bee diseases and disorders and to provide regulatory services in the areas of pollination of plants, honeybee poisonings, thefts, bee management and marketing. (1977, c. 238, s. 1.) § 106-635. Definitions. As used in this Article: (1) The term "apiary" means bees, comb, hives, appliances, or colonies, wherever they are kept, located, ...
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.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsN.C.G.S. 14-417 and 14-417.1 (Regulation of Certain Reptiles)
§ 14-417. Regulation of ownership or use of venomous reptiles. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, use, transport, or traffic in any venomous reptile that is not housed in a sturdy and secure enclosure. Enclosures shall be designed to be escape-proof, bite-proof, and have an operable lock. (b) Each enclosure shall be clearly and visibly labeled "Venomous Reptile Inside" wit...
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.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsPet 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.