Pet & Animal Law Enforcement

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Ordinance Laws

ACC Officers are charged with the responsibility of enforcing all City, County and State laws pertaining to the welfare of animals.

Enforcement activities range from investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty and neglect cases, leash law violations, to investigating potentially dangerous dogs.

To report a suspected violation of any of of these ordinances, please call 311 or 704-336-7600.

Read the ordinance in its entirety (To see the townships, and other counties/states, go to municode.com)

Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Services answers calls for service in the following areas:
City of Charlotte
Mecklenburg County
Town of Mint Hill
Town of Pineville Upon request from Pineville Police Department.
Town of Davidson – Upon request from Davidson Police Department. Davidson also provides their own animal licensing at the Davidson Town Hall

The following townships have their own Animal Services and Animal Services Officer. If you live in these towns and have questions or need to place a call for service you can visit their websites to get the information you need:
Town of Matthews
Town of Huntersville
Town of Cornelius

Animal Bites & Dangerous Dogs

Understand that the ordinance is clear regarding how dog bites and dangerous dogs should be handled. All bites reported to any doctor's office are required to be reported to AC&C.

Animal Cruelty & Abuse

Learn the various actions and regulations of the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County laws describing what constitutes animal abuse.

Deceased Animals

Removal of deceased animals is the responsibility of the city Solid Waste Special Services Division. See some local cremation resources available for those who have lost personal pets.

Leash Law and Tethering

Learn about the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County leash law requirement and also the tethering law that helps create an environment for the confined pet’s safety when tethered outside.

Nuisance Animals

Understand more about the law that pertains to nuisance animals including excessive barking or causing damage which can interfere with a neighbor’s enjoyment of their own property.