North Carolina § 106-403 - Disposition of dead domesticated animals.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 106-403 — Disposition of dead domesticated animals., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 106-403. Disposition of dead domesticated animals.

It is the duty of the owner of domesticated animals that die from any cause and the owner or operator of the premises upon which any domesticated animals die, to bury the animals to a depth of at least three feet beneath the surface of the ground within 24 hours after knowledge of the death of the domesticated animals, or to otherwise dispose of the domesticated animals in a manner approved by the State Veterinarian. It is a violation of this section to bury any dead domesticated animal closer than 300 feet to any flowing stream or public body of water. It is unlawful for any person to remove the carcasses of dead domesticated animals from the person's premises to the premises of any other person without the written permission of the person having charge of the other premises and without burying the carcasses as provided under this section. The governing body of each municipality shall designate some appropriate person whose duty it shall be to provide for the removal and disposal, according to the provisions of this section, of any dead domesticated animals located within the limits of the municipality when the owner of the animals cannot be determined. The board of commissioners of each county shall designate some appropriate person whose duty it shall be to provide for the removal and disposal under this section, of any dead domesticated animals located within the limits of the county, but without the limits of any municipality, when the owner of the animals cannot be determined. All costs incurred by a municipality or county in the removal of dead domesticated animals shall be recoverable from the owner of the animals upon admission of ownership or conviction. "Domesticated animal" as used in this section includes poultry. History (1919, c. 36; C.S., s. 4488; 1927, c. 2; 1939, c. 360, s. 4; 1971, c. 567, ss. 1, 2; 2001-12, s. 9; 2003-6, s. 1; 2005-21, s. 1; 2009-103, s. 1.) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2009-103, s. 1, amended Session Laws 2001-12, s. 11, as amended by Session Laws 2003-6, s. 1, and Session Laws 2005-21, s. 1, by deleting the expiration date. Therefore, the 2001 amendment to this section by Session Laws 2001-12 will not expire October 1, 2009.

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 106-403

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 106-403 cover?

Section 106-403 ("Disposition of dead domesticated animals.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Carolina § 106-403?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 106-403" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.

How does North Carolina § 106-403 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.