North Carolina
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
North Carolina
Overall Rank: #42 (Bottom Tier)
- +Animal cruelty is an abatable civil nuisance
- -Neglect laws do not include requirements for shelter, veterinary care, etc.
- -Has an ag-gag law
- -No statutorily authorized sentencing to mental health evaluation or treatment
- -No sentence enhancements for repeat animal abusers
Animal Protection Laws of North Carolina
The Animal Protection Laws of North Carolina compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for North Carolina with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Active Legislation
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Active Cases
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Recent Victories
Ben the Bear Caged at Roadside Zoo in North Carolina
Ray v. Jambbas Ranch Tours
The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued a roadside zoo in Fayetteville, North Carolina to free Ben the Bear.
King Kong Zoological Park
Charlene Salzer, Mary Elder, and Martha Buffington v. King Kong Zoo, and John Curtis
In 2014 the Animal Legal Defense Fund brought a lawsuit against the King Kong Zoological Park, an unaccredited roadside zoo in Murphy, North Carolina, for violating the state's animal cruelty laws.
The Woodley Case
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Woodley
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a ground breaking lawsuit against a hoarder using a unique North Carolina provision, the 19A Statute, which allows citizens to bring civil charges against abusers for violating animal cruelty.
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals
Want to take the next step in your animal advocacy? Learn the skills you need to pass laws protecting animals at the local level! Local laws are critical – not only do they help individual animals in your community but prime state legislation.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals
Learn how wild animals are exploited in circuses and traveling shows, and how you can help!
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Learn how to fight back against the cruel fur industry by passing a fur ban in your community! Led by Animal Legal Defense Fund Campaigns Manager Elizabeth Holtz, this webinar will walk you through the mechanics of fur production, the policy issues, including animal cruelty, environmental impacts, and public health, and more.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws