Animal Control Complaints & Issues
Click the links below to move to the appropriate section on this page
Coyote & Other Wildlife Resources
Nuisance Animals
Animals falling under the Nuisance Animal Ordinance, include:
- animals at large
- doing property damage
- barking
- being outside “in heat.”
Nuisance animals should be reported by jurisdiction using the following numbers:
- Chapel Hill Town limits - (919) 942-PETS (7387)
- Carrboro Town limits - (919) 883-8398
- Remaining County - (919) 942-PETS (7387)
- After hours: 911
Making a Nuisance Complaint
For those making a complaint in Hillsborough or Unincorporated Orange County, include as much of the following information as possible:
- type of animal
- description of animal
- location of animal
- animal owner information, if known
- nuisance behavior
- date and time of nuisance behavior
Complaint Form
Nuisance Ordinance
Cruelty Complaints & Concerns
Suspected cases of animal cruelty should be reported at the following numbers:
- Chapel Hill Town limits - (919) 942-PETS (7387)
- Carrboro Town limits - (919) 883-8398
- Remaining County - (919) 942-PETS (7387)
Investigators may ask for the following information:
- type of animal
- description of animal
- location of animal
- animal owner information, if known
- type of suspected abuse or neglect
- date and time of suspected abuse or neglect
- other details as needed
Complaints of abuse and neglect will be investigated as to their validity. When appropriate, legal action is taken by formally charging the violator.
Legal Definitions for cruelty can be found in the NC State Animal Cruelty Statute and the Orange County Animal Ordinance.
Anonymous Reporting
While anonymous reporting is allowed, Animal Services encourages the self-identification to ensure any investigation can perform necessary follow-up. However, complainants' names are considered public records, subject to disclosure to the public upon request. This may prompt some persons to prefer to submit cruelty complaints anonymously.
For wildlife emergencies involving humans, call 911. For ill or injured wildlife, call the NC Wildlife Resource Commission at 1-800-662-7137.
Warning
Most animals can bite or claw and may harbor illnesses which can be transmitted to people, including rabies. We recommend contacting a wildlife resource regarding your concern with any wild animals.
Nuisance Wildlife Resources
Many wildlife "problems" can be prevented by some straightforward steps identified in resources listed below. Animal Services does not generally deal with nuisance wildlife. Services are available from companies specializing in pest or critter control.
- General information on nuisance wildlife is available from The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
- The Humane Society of the United States also offers information on wildlife management.
- Creative Learning About Wildlife Species (CLAWS) is based in Orange County and offers educational and rehabilitation information to residents of the County and beyond.
- Piedmont Wildlife Center supports native North American wildlife and its habitat through education and research.
Injured or Orphaned Wildlife Resources
- The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (919-707-0201) has information on nuisance wildlife, trapping, relocating wildlife within North Carolina and contact information for local wildlife rehabilitators.
- Creative Learning About Wildlife Species (CLAWS) (919-619-0776) can assist with rehabilitation and information
- Triangle Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic provides care for sick, injured and orphaned native North American wildlife.
- Wildlife Welfare (919-387-1662) offers information and instructions regarding abandoned or injured wildlife.
Coyote & Other Resources
Recent sightings of coyotes in our area have prompted public interest in this species. As with other wildlife species, only aggressive behaviors or actual bites should be reported.
- The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's Coexisting With Coyotes offers useful information on Coyotes in North Carolina.
- Cook County, Illinois's Urban Coyote Ecology has also become a leading resource for coyote information.
- Additional information can be found from The University of California's Integrated Pest Management Program.
- The Humane Society of the United States also offers helpful tips on Solving Problems with Coyotes.
Feeding young wildlife (of any species) can be particularly dangerous for all involved. Click here to read an important article from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission about the dangers of feeding young wildlife.
Ordinances
County Ordinance
The links below provide access to the Animal Control sections of the Code of Ordinances of Orange County. They are not intended to serve as the official County Code for Orange County and may not include recent amendments to the County Code. Current information is available from records in the County Clerk’s office in the official minutes of the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
Ordinance Prohibiting the Display of Wild and Exotic Animals
Ordinance Prohibiting the Keeping of Wild Animals Dangerous to Persons and Property
Chapel Hill and Carrboro Town Ordinances
Orange County's Tethering Ordinance
Civil Penalties and Fees
These fees will only affect pet owners who violate county animal ordinances.
Violation Amounts are as follows:
Failure to Vaccinate (Rabies) |
$200 |
Failure to License |
$200 |
Mistreatment |
$200 |
Public Nuisance Violations |
$50, $100, $200, $300, $400 |
Failure to wear rabies tag |
$50 |
Failure to permit kennel inspection |
$25 |
| Failure to wear rabies tag | $50 |
Other Fees: Out-of-county Surrender fee: $50
The fees are designed to encourage responsible pet ownership and improve the safety of not only the animals, but the community as a whole.