Old Farm Neighborhood Association

LEASH LAW

Dogs At Large

Department Function:
Durham County Animal Control is committed to servicing and protecting the citizens and animals of Durham County by providing timely responsible customer service; the humane treatment of healthy, injured, unwanted, dangerous and stray animals; the enforcement of the Durham County Animal Control Ordinance (DCACO) education for the public give them an opportunity to foster proper care and relief for animal overpopulation.

Dogs at Large: It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping, possessing or maintaining a dog in this county to intentionally or negligently allow the dog to run at large. ("At large" means any animal found off the property of its owner and not under restraint, or any animal has been subject of a previous at large complaint when found unrestrained whether or not on or off property of its owner, or any animal previously determined to be dangerous or potentially dangerous that is not confined to a secure enclosure while on the property of it's owner). Adequate restraint is defined as a secure enclosure located on the owners property, or a chain, leash or other physical or electronic device of sufficient strength, which allows the owner to maintain control of an animal. Voice command is not adequate restraint.
The "Leash Law" does not apply to cats. See the Animal Nuisance section regarding cats.

CIVIL PENALITIES

Civil Penalties: Animal Control officers are authorized to assess civil penalties for violations upon discovery. As a courtesy, an Officer may give a citizen/pet owner a written warning before assessing civil penalties, however it is not mandatory that a warning be given first. Civil penalties will be assessed in the following manner for violations:



First violation $50.00
Second violation $100.00
Habitual violation $150.00
$500.00 civil penalty for violation of any provision of the Ordinance by a dog that has been declared dangerous or potentially dangerous by the Animal Control Administrator in accordance with NCGS 67-4.1 other than a violation of Article VIII.

A civil penalty that is not paid within five (5) working days of issuance shall automatically increase $25.00 per violation cited. A civil penalty is due and owing upon assessment. Surrender of an animal or failure to redeem an animal shall not relieve the owner of responsibility for payment of any outstanding civil penalty that was assessed prior to the animal being surrendered or as a result of the animal being impounded. If payment of a civil penalty is not received within five (5) working days of issuance, Animal Control may initiate legal proceedings to recover the amount of the penalty. In addition to criminal summons or civil penalties, animal control is authorized to seize or impound an animal for violation of specific provisions of the Ordinance as set forth. Animal Control Officers are authorized to go on or about private property to seize an animal. If an animal is seized, the Animal Control officer shall issue a written Notice of Seizure and leave it with the owner or affix it to the premises from which the animal was seized.
In addition to boarding and redemption fees assessed at the shelter, all outstanding licensing and vaccination fees and all outstanding civil penalties are required to be paid prior to release of the animal

Email us animalcontrol@co.durham.nc.us