NC H1116

Expands animal cruelty law to include failure to provide adequate shelter or adequate space, making such deprivation a Class 1 misdemeanor with each act constituting a separate offense.

Defines "adequate shelter" with specific requirements including suitability for species/size, protection from weather and temperature extremes (above 85°F or below 32°F), proper lighting/cleaning, and for dogs/cats a solid resting surface.

Defines "adequate space" for tethered animals requiring minimum 15 feet of tether length or four times the animal's body length (whichever is greater), proper collar/harness, tether weight not exceeding one-tenth of body weight, and prohibition of outdoor tethering during extreme weather.

Prohibits outdoor tethering of animals during extreme weather including hurricane/tropical storm warnings, heat advisories, severe weather warnings, and temperatures above 85°F or below 32°F.

Appropriates $100,000 in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2022-2023 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a public awareness campaign about the law changes; becomes effective December 1, 2022.