North Carolina's dangerous-dog statutes, explained

Under G.S. 67-4.1, a dangerous dog is one that without provocation killed or severely injured a person, one that has been determined potentially dangerous because of specified behavior, or one owned or trained for dog fighting. A potentially dangerous dog is one a designated person or board finds has bitten a person causing broken bones, disfiguring lacerations, cosmetic surgery or hospitalization, has killed or severely injured a domestic animal off the owner's land, or has approached a person off the owner's property in an apparent attitude of attack.

The article does not apply to police dogs in official duties, dogs used in lawful hunts, certain herding or predator-control dogs working on their own property, or dogs that injure someone who was tormenting or abusing them, trespassing or committing a crime.

The same section requires written notice with reasons. An owner who objects must file written objections with the appellate board within three days, a hearing is to be set within ten days, and a further appeal to superior court must be filed within ten days of the board's decision. These deadlines are short, which is why owners should keep the statute handy.

Per Article 1A of Chapter 67, a dangerous dog may not be left unattended outdoors unless indoors, in a securely enclosed and locked pen or in another restraining structure. Off the property it must be leashed and muzzled, or otherwise securely restrained and muzzled. An owner who transfers the dog must notify the authority and tell the new owner of the determination. Violating these duties is a Class 3 misdemeanor.

The article makes an owner guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if a dangerous dog attacks a person and the injuries need medical treatment costing more than $100, and it makes the owner of a dangerous dog strictly liable in civil damages for harm to a person, property or another animal.

G.S. 130A-185 requires an owner to have a dog over four months old vaccinated against rabies, and it limits who may give the vaccine to licensed veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians under direct supervision and certified rabies vaccinators.

Ask your insurer how it treats a dog capable of protection work. NerdWallet guide to homeowners insurance and dog bites explains the usual questions. Get the reply in writing.