Bill would set care rules for North Carolina dogs and cats

People responsible for dogs and cats would have to provide the listed care and treatment. The rules cover domestic dogs and cats, including animals a person keeps, harbors, or cares for. They exclude animals raised for their meat, milk, or eggs. Needed veterinary treatment includes emergency care to stabilize a life-threatening condition, ease suffering, or prevent disease from spreading or worsening. The care rules would apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.

A person who violates the care rules would face a misdemeanor charge. The penalties apply to people who violate the companion-animal care rules in the bill. A first offense would be a Class 3 misdemeanor. A second or later offense would be a Class 2 misdemeanor. The penalties would apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.

Some dogs would be exempt from the shelter and space rules in listed situations. The exceptions apply only to the shelter and space rules and only to dogs in the listed activities or circumstances. The exceptions apply to dogs used for certain lawful hunting, sledding, sports, and field events when particular tethering or sheltering is integral to training or conditioning; certain dog training; restraints used for herding or farm work; and restraints required by a camping or recreation area. The exceptions would apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2026.

Cities and counties could keep or adopt local rules for animal care. The local rules concern standards of care for companion animals. Local rules adopted before the act becomes law may remain in effect. New local rules must meet or exceed the state requirements. The bill permits earlier rules to remain after the act becomes law and allows new rules after that date.

The state agriculture department would receive one-time money for public education about the care standards. The money would support public education and educational materials about the companion-animal standards. The bill sets aside $10,000 for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Animal Welfare Section. The funding provision would take effect July 1, 2026, for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.