AS 2019 Legislative Agenda Items FINAL

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Orange County Animal Services Legislative Agenda Items: North Carolina Dangerous Dog Laws North Carolina Dangerous Dog Law (67-4.5): A provision to revoke a potentially dangerous dog declaration, when there is substantial justification for doing so, in order that a dog does not needlessly live out its entire life with restrictions such being muzzled. Beginning one year after a dog is declared to be potentially dangerous, an owner may request annually that the local authority responsible for making it review the declaration. The request shall be made in writing and shall be accompanied by an overall assessment of the animal completed by a competent person accredited by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or another recognized and approved professional body. The assessment shall have an emphasis on the behavior underlying the declaration and the owner or keeper’s ability to manage the animal. The local authority shall consider revocation of the declaration only if no violations of this Chapter or, if applicable, local animal control ordinance, have occurred within the twelve (12) months preceding the date of application for review. The local authority shall further consider the following matters when reviewing the declaration: 1. The outcomes of the assessment mentioned above. 2. The nature of the original bite or attack and the reasons for the original declaration. 3. The manner in which the animal has been cared for and managed since the declaration was made. 4. Evidence of whether the animal’s behavior has changed since the declaration due to the animal’s age, environment, training, or other factors. The local authority may revoke the declaration after considering the application, the assessment, and the considerations identified above. It shall issue written findings to the owner or keeper stating the reason(s) for his or her decision and, if the revocation has been denied, the date upon which the owner or keeper may request another review of the declaration. North Carolina Dangerous Dog Law (67-4.2): Provisions for professional training without a muzzle in a secured setting: An exception to the requirement for the dog to be muzzled and leashed off the owner’s property exists for professional training in a secured setting. Professional training refers to training with a person accredited by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or another recognized and approved professional body. A secured setting is physically enclosed and includes only the dog owner, trainer and other individuals directly involved in the training.