summary
Introduced
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
In Committee
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO MANDATE STRICT CIVIL LIABILITY FOR DOG BITES WHEN A DOG INJURES A PERSON OR DOMESTIC ANIMAL WHILE RUNNING UNLEASHED IN PUBLIC AND TO ESTABLISH UNIFORM LEASHING LAWS. Whereas, North Carolina's existing laws have resulted in a patchwork of county and municipality leash and dog restraint laws that offer inconsistent levels of protection for North Carolinians and their pets alike; and Whereas, the patchwork nature of those local ordinances unduly inhibits and complicates the ability of State and local police and animal control to assist the victims of bites by at-large dogs; and Whereas, that same patchwork creates an undue barrier to legal representation for the victims of dog bites by at-large dogs, even when local ordinances would likely hold the at-large dog owner liable; and Whereas, off-leash dogs are known to cause reactivity when approaching on-leash dogs; and Whereas, every North Carolinian (and their dogs) ought to have the right to enjoy public spaces without fear of attack by an at-large dog; Now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill establishes strict civil liability for dog owners when their dogs cause injury to people or domestic animals while running unleashed in public spaces. The legislation comprehensively redefines the term "at large" to include scenarios such as dogs escaping inadequate enclosures, wandering unaccompanied, being walked off-leash, or being controlled by an ineffective restraint system. The bill eliminates previous time-of-day restrictions on dog control and creates a universal standard that requires dogs to be under reasonable physical control at all times, with exceptions for law enforcement and hunting dogs. Dog owners who allow their dogs to run at large can now be held liable for damages and may face a Class 3 misdemeanor charge if they intentionally and knowingly violate the law. By creating a statewide uniform standard, the bill aims to address the existing patchwork of local leash laws and provide clearer protections for North Carolinians and their pets in public spaces. The new regulations will take effect on December 1, 2025, and will apply to both new and pending legal actions involving dog-related injuries.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (10)
Aisha Dew (D)*,
James Roberson (D)*,
Julie Von Haefen (D)*,
Mary Belk (D),
Deb Butler (D),
Allison Dahle (D),
Zack Hawkins (D),
Carolyn Logan (D),
Renée Price (D),
Brian Turner (D),
Last Action
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (on 04/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H852 |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H852v1.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H852v0.pdf |
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