North Carolina Public Nuisance Dog Standard

N.C.G.S. 153A-131 grants counties authority to regulate domestic animals as public nuisances, and N.C.G.S. 67-1 et seq. provides statewide rules on dangerous dogs and animal control. While specific decibel limits and quiet hours are local matters, the state framework defines barking that frequently disturbs neighbors as a potential public nuisance subject to county and municipal abatement. Local animal control officers enforce both state and local provisions.

After a public nuisance declaration, owners face civil penalties, mandatory abatement orders, and potential animal seizure for repeat violations.