One question keeps coming up after a recent incident in Onslow County. How bad are the animal cruelty laws in North Carolina?
They definitely aren t the worst in the country but certainly aren t the best. What s good enough for NC is normally good enough at the county level as Onslow s animal cruelty ordinances reflect the same as the state. However, Onslow ensures further guidance that owners must take to properly care for an animal, something the state itself does not require.
The definition of what constitutes intentional or malicious abuse both have their differences but most would agree the punishment should fit the crime. A 2019 study shows NC is trending in the wrong direction and offenders are seen by some as only getting a slap on the wrist.
Rules on base
If you live in base housing on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River, you are allowed to have a limit of two domestic pets, though certain protocols outlined in the Domestic Animal Control order must be followed.
For example, all dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered, then re-registered annually, through the Domestic Animal Control Office (DACO).
Base residents have up to five days to register their pet once moved in on the installation, according to Michael Newson, Special Law Enforcement supervisor for base DACO. Pets must be present during registration to be observed and have their chip scanned.