Bill > S573

This bill reforms North Carolina's animal cruelty and neglect laws by establishing comprehensive standards for animal treatment, with a particular focus on adequate shelter, space, and addressing companion animal hoarding. The legislation introduces detailed definitions for terms like "adequate shelter" and "adequate space," specifying requirements such as protection from extreme weather, appropriate tethering practices, and freedom of movement for animals. The bill creates new legal standards that make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to intentionally harm, deprive, or neglect animals, with specific provisions for more severe offenses like malicious killing or torture, which can be classified as Class H felonies. Notably, the bill introduces a new legal concept of a "companion animal hoarder" - defined as someone possessing 10 or more companion animals who fails to provide proper care - and mandates that such individuals undergo psychological evaluation and treatment. The legislation applies to vertebrate animals excluding humans and includes exceptions for lawful hunting, veterinary procedures, and certain agricultural activities. Local governments can maintain or adopt ordinances that meet or exceed these new standards, and the law will take effect on December 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S573