NCAA bracket

College hoops bracket challenge

A potential ruling could have an effect on animal ordinances across the state.

NASHVILLE, N.C. — The North Carolina Court of Appeals on Thursday heard a case involving a pet ordinance that a Nashville dog owner says is unconstitutional.

Adele Maynard was charged and convicted in 2006 of violating the town's rule, which allows three pets per household. Maynard has six collies and lives in a home her family has owned for generations.

&quot;They're quiet. They're nice. They're mannerly,&quot; Maynard, 63, said. &quot;There's not a thing wrong with them.&quot;

Her attorney, Daniel Reade, says that just limiting the number of pets doesn't really address the issue – which he says is whether the dogs are noisy or dangerous.

&quot;(The ordinance) doesn't say anything about the size of the dogs, the propensity of the dogs, the way the dogs are kept,&quot; Reade said.

But an attorney representing the town argued in court Thursday that it limits the number of dogs to protect all of its citizens. Town leaders believe they acted responsibly and within their rights.

State law allows municipalities to limit the number of pets, regardless of whether the animals prove to be a public nuisance.

If the Court of Appeals agrees that limiting the number of dogs is unconstitutional, the ruling could overturn all similar pet ordinances throughout North Carolina.

If they side with the town, Maynard would have to give up some dogs or face fines and jail time.

&quot;I'm not going to give up the dogs,&quot; Maynard said. &quot;I would have to move first.&quot;

There are no immediate rulings in the state appellate court. The panel of judges will now consider the issue and discuss what they heard Thursday. It could be weeks or months before they make a decision.

Mike Charbonneau

Kelly Gardner

State Appeals Court hears animal ordinance case

dogs

Tillman Mitchell, 17, was hit by a car in Halifax County while getting off the bus from school.

Student hit by car getting off the bus in Halifax County back at home

Tillman Mitchell 

There's a hot debate about the potential impacts of offshore wind development in the state. Many coastal residents came to an open house in Brunswick County Tuesday to voice their concerns after presentations from industry experts, academics, and government officials about the potential benefits and challenges of offshore wind.

How will offshore wind development impact North Carolina's coast?

Offshore WInd Turbines

Eric Williams and Latavia Washington McGee were in Mexico to help McGee get a medical procedure done. They were violently kidnapped by cartels in the area, which killed two others that traveled with them.

Survivor of kidnapping in Mexico returns to North Carolina

Mexico_Kidnapped_Americans_24396

A new 911 call was released Tuesday as Cary police investigate two crime scenes at a Cary home where a body was found in a pile of burning debris.

Police identify burned body, man shot at Cary home

Identity of the body burned, man shot at Cary home

Administrators at a charter school in Columbus County are demanding a first-grade boy's hair be cut before students return from spring break.

Family sees discrimination in school's demand that boy cut his long hair

Get the latest WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast whenever you need it, including the DUALDoppler5000 and the 7-Day Forecast.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Nightly N.C. Education Lottery drawings during the 11 p.m. News.

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Tuesday and Friday Mega Millions Drawing.

Mega Millions Drawing

Sky 5 flies over a crash on I-440 near New Bern Avenue on Tuesday afternoon. Multiple lanes are closed.

Sky 5 over I-440 crash

The House Commerce Committee considers bills that would legalize online betting on sports and would ban 'predatory' charges and repossession of pets paid for over time.

Lawmakers consider mobile sports betting, predatory pet leases

Videos

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper already signed an executive order banning TikTok on state government devices. This bill goes further, targeting more apps and also banning them on government networks like university WiFi.

TikTok ban clears NC Senate, would also block WeChat, Telegram

China_US_TikTok_Ban_90129

The game between the Wolfpack and the Volunteers is set for Sept. 7, 2024.

NC State to play Tennessee to kick off 2024 season in Charlotte

Belk Bowl

More than 360 people gathered at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill for the 2023 Behavioral Health Convening on Tuesday. The crowd included people from all over the state representing schools throughout the university system.



UNC system aims to use new funds to improve mental health resources for students

UNC system leaders talk about mental health challenges, possible solutions

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — A Virginia teacher who was shot and wounded by her 6-year-old student said it has changed her life and she has vivid memories and nightmares about that day.

State Appeals Court hears animal ordinance case

More On This

State Appeals Court to hear animal ordinance case

State Appeals Court hears animal ordinance case

• Credits

Trending

Survivor of kidnapping in Mexico returns to North Carolina

TikTok ban clears NC Senate, would also block WeChat, Telegram

NC State to play Tennessee to kick off 2024 season in Charlotte

UNC system aims to use new funds to improve mental health resources for students

Virginia teacher shot by 6-year-old: 'I thought I had died'

Videos

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Evening Pick 3 Pick 4 and Cash 5

Mega Millions Drawing

Sky 5 over I-440 crash

Lawmakers consider mobile sports betting, predatory pet leases