North Carolina § 14-159 - 2. Interference with animal research.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 14-159 — 2. Interference with animal research., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-159. 2. Interference with animal research.
It is unlawful for a person willfully to commit any of the following acts: The unauthorized entry into any research facility where animals are kept within the facility for research in the advancement of medical, veterinary, dental, or biological sciences, with the intent to (i) disrupt the normal operation of the research facility, or (ii) damage the research facility or any personal property located thereon, or (iii) release from any enclosure or restraining device any animal kept within the research facility, or (iv) interfere with the care of any animal kept within the research facility; The damaging of any such research facility or any personal property located thereon; The unauthorized release from any enclosure or restraining device of any animal kept within any research facility; or The interference with the care of any animal kept within any research facility. Any person who commits an offense under subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who commits an offense under subsection (a) of this section that involves the release from any enclosure or restraining device of any animal having an infectious disease shall be guilty of a Class I felony. As a condition of probation, the court may order a person convicted under this section to make restitution to the owner of the animal for damages, including the cost of restoring the animal to confinement and of restoring the animal to its health condition prior to any release, and for damages to personal property, including materials, equipment, data, and records, and real property caused by the interference. If the interference causes the failure of an experiment, the restitution may include all costs of repeating the experiment, including replacement of the animals, labor, and materials. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any rights or causes of action of a person damaged through interference with animal research. History (1991, c. 203, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, ss. 98, 1190; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 14-159
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 14-159 cover?
Section 14-159 ("2. Interference with animal research.") 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 § 14-159?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 14-159" (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 § 14-159 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.