Animal Ordinances in Winston-Salem, NC (2026)
5 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 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.
Winston-Salem Livestock Keeping Rules
Some RestrictionsWinston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 6-4(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person who keeps, feeds or maintains in the city any horse, mule, donkey, goat, sheep or cattle to place the shelter, housing or fencing for said animals within 50 feet of the property line of any adjoining lots or parcels of land unless a special use permit has been obtained pursuant to Section 6-1.4 of the Unified Development Ordinance.
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.
Winston-Salem Dog Leash and Restraint Rules
Some RestrictionsWinston-Salem Code of Ordinances § 6-17(b)
In addition to all other penalties prescribed by law, a dog is subject to impoundment and all other applicable provisions of the county animals ordinance if the dog is found off the premises of the person owning or having possession, charge, care, custody or control of such dog and is not under the control of a competent person and restrained by a leash, chain, rope or other means of adequate p...
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.
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...
Looking for Forsyth County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Winston-Salem city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Forsyth County →