§ 3-37. Responsibility of owners.

(a)

Owners of dogs or cats are responsible for the acts of their dogs or cats.

(b)

The owner of any dog or cat that commits a nuisance upon the property of another person or that damages another person's property or person is fully responsible and accountable for these acts.

(c)

The owners of dogs or cats shall provide humane and sanitary shelter from heat, cold, rain, wind and snow and shall provide food and water adequate to keep the animals in good health and comfort.

(d)

All dogs or cats must be given the opportunity for vigorous daily exercises.

(e)

All dogs or cats must be provided by their owners with veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering.

(f)

No person shall poison or maim a dog or cat nor may a dog or cat be abandoned. Unwanted animals may be given to the animal control officer to be sold by the town or destroyed in a humane manner.

(Code 1967, § 6-35)

State law reference

Cruelty to animals, G.S. § 14-360 et seq.; Animal Welfare Act, G.S. § 19A-20 et seq.