Animal Ordinances in Rockingham County, NC (2026)

Sec. 4-7(a)(2)

Restraint of animals (on one acre or more). Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, any animal kept on a lot or parcel of real property one acre or greater in size does not have to be kept within a fence or other secure enclosure, or under any physical restraint while on such premises. This exemption does not relieve any person of the duty to prevent his animal from co...

Sec. 4-7(a)(1)

It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any animal, excluding cats, to keep such animal whether on or off his premises unless such animal is under sufficient physical restraint such as a leash, bridle, cage or similar device which restrains and controls the animal, or within a vehicle or adequately contained by a fence on the premises or ot...

Sec. 4-22

No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any dangerous wild animal. This section shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions, circuses, or (in the case of non-dangerous wild animals) registered wildlife rehabilitators.

Sec. 4-8(b)(4)

Maintaining the owner's property in a manner that is offensive, annoying or dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare of the community because of the number, type, variety, density or location of the animals on the property. (5) Allowing or permitting an animal to bark, whine, howl, crow or cackle in an excessive or untimely fashion, or otherwise not in accordance with county or respe...

Sec. 4-87

(a) Every owner of a male or female dog or male cat over eight months of age, and every owner of a female cat over six months of age, is assessed an annual license tax. (b) The license tax for fertile dogs and cats shall be $15.00 per animal. The license tax for neutered or spayed animals shall be $5.00 per animal. (c) Animals subject to this article are to be listed for taxation during th...