H852

Safe Dogs, Safe Owners

Introduced·4/9/25

Establishes strict civil liability for dog bites when a dog injures a person or domestic animal while running unleashed in public and sets uniform.

The bill mandates strict civil liability for dog bites when a dog injures a person or domestic animal while running unleashed in public. It establishes uniform leashing laws to ensure consistent protection for North Carolinians and their pets. The bill redefines "at large" to include dogs not under the reasonable, physical control of an owner, including those escaping inadequate enclosures or wandering off during lawful hunts. It also sets penalties for violations, including Class 3 misdemeanors for allowing dogs over six months old to run at large at night unaccompanied.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

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10
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Apr 10, 2025

House

Passed 1st Reading

Apr 10, 2025

House

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

Apr 9, 2025

House

Filed