Whether you have a canine yourself or you simply are someone who often encounters them while out on a walk, understanding dog bite laws applicable in NC is important. Why? 

As a dog owner, it’s important that you know your responsibilities to register your dog with the county and when to keep it on a leash and securely enclosed in your backyard. It’s also important to be informed about what happens if you don’t meet your obligations. 

And, from the perspective of a person who was unexpectedly injured by a dog who bit you, it’s important that you know what laws apply to situations like these and the impact those have on your ability to take legal action if you’re hurt. 

Read on where we’ll cover North Carolina dog bite laws you should know, no matter your perspective.

A Rundown of Dog Bite Laws Applicable in North Carolina

Some of the most notable laws that apply to canines and instances in which they attack individuals are contained in Chapter 67 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Some of the ones most applicable to dog bite cases like the ones described above include:

• North Carolina General Statute § 67-4.4: This state law outlines how dog owners are strictly liable if their dangerous dog inflicts injuries. This statute also defines what a dangerous canine is, which is one that has severely injured or killed someone without being provoked. An example of a qualifying injury is a bite that causes lacerations, broken bones, or hospitalization.
• North Carolina General Statute § 67-12: This state law spells out how dog owners who allow their canine, six months or older, to run around unaccompanied at night, can be held strictly liable for any harm they cause.

In many jurisdictions, there are different city or county ordinances that apply in addition to the state laws listed above that dictate what dog owners can do and the circumstances under which they’re liable for their pet’s aggressive behavior. For example, here’s the Wake County Animal Control Ordinance applicable in many parts of Raleigh. 

Many times, these regulations will center around bans on certain breeds of dogs known to exhibit dangerous behaviors.

What To Know About North Carolina’s One Bite Rule

Our state is one of only a handful of states that have a one-bite rule, often referred to as a “one free bite” rule, in place. A statute like this generally requires you, as the bite victim, to prove that a dog owner willfully engaged in misconduct, was negligent, or allowed their pet to be a nuisance to be eligible to hold them financially liable for the damages they sustained in an attack, especially if it can be shown that they have a history of aggression. 

Getting Help After a Dog Bite in Raleigh, NC

Attorneys like ours at Green Mistretta Law, PLLC, generally find that meeting the burden necessary to prove such a case is possible. So, if you’d like our legal team to assess whether that’s possible in your case, consider reaching out to our law firm to discuss your case. Doing so early on ensures we can preserve as much evidence as possible necessary to prove your case. 
Meeting with one of our lawyers to discuss your potential personal injury case is free. Also, since we work on a contingency fee basis, we don’t collect anything for your representation unless we settle your case. So, contact us now for help. You have nothing to lose by doing so.