Do you think NC needs to pass a law to regulate commercial dog breeding facilities? If so, will you be a sponsor or co-sponsor for a bill like this?

I absolutely agree that North Carolina needs to regulate commercial dog breeding facilities. Puppy mills that value profit over the well-being of the dogs must be stopped, and regulations are the best way to do that. We need to build on HB159 by providing stricter guidelines for operators of commercial dog breeding facilities, guaranteeing each dog has the space, resources, and veterinary care to live a happy and healthy life. We must also increase the punishments for this inexcusable animal cruelty, since the current fine of $25 per animal is an absolute disgrace that constitutes nothing more than a slap on the wrist. If breeders violate these basic rights of the animals, they should immediately lose their ability to continue to breed dogs and subject them to these deplorable conditions. Finally, I believe that further legislation should not only regulate the breeding facilities, but the pet stores and other vendors which sell dogs they know come from puppy mills. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have two lovely and loving rescue dogs (Molly and Mr. Darcy) in my family, so I know the effects that abuse and neglect can have on dogs. I would be proud to sponsor this legislation and look forward to working with you on crafting the specifics to best care for these animals.

In NC it is a felony to fight birds, but it is not illegal to possess the birds or the paraphernalia to fight the birds. This makes it difficult to shut down cock fighting rings because animal control must catch them in the act. Do you support a bill to make it a crime to possess the birds and paraphernalia with the intent to fight them?

Owning the paraphernalia necessary for cock fighting with the intent to use it to abuse birds should be a crime. I would support legislation to this effect, though I would have to carefully examine the burden of proof we put in place to prove intent before casting a vote either way.

NC does not currently have a definition for adequate housing in place for companion animals living outside. Would you support legislation to add a definition to our laws?

As I said before, I have two wonderful rescue dogs in my family, so I am particularly concerned with the abuse and neglect of pets across the state. One of those dogs spent the first year of her life tied to a post in the backyard of her owner's house, which would have continued had her neighbors not saved the dog and put her up for adoption. I would without a doubt support adding a definition of adequate outdoor housing to our laws to keep these pets protected from neglect.

Do you support a bill that would ban private ownership of exotics such as big cats, bears, and primates kept as pets? This question is not geared towards conservation efforts by accredited organizations or rescue/rehabilitation groups.

Yes. These animals deserve to live fruitful lives in their natural habitats, and would not be properly cared for by wealthy individuals looking just for some flashy new purchase. These animals should only be taken out of their natural habitats to be cared for by an accredited rehabilitation group with the intent of returning it to the wild.

How do you feel about transparency when it comes to NC animal shelters?  Do you support mandatory reporting for all facilities when it comes to reporting the disposition of all animals that enter the NC shelter system?

Shelters provide a vital service to this state by caring for the most vulnerable animals and finding them permanent, loving homes. So while I do believe in transparency in the shelter system, I would not want to burden them and prevent them from properly and effectively caring for the animals they take in. I don't think mandatory reporting would do this, so I would support legislation to enforce reporting of the animals' dispositions, but I would want to hear from workers within the shelter system before casting a vote on any further measures.

If you have held a political seat before, what have you done to help animals in your district?

I have not held a political seat before, but I guarantee you I will be a leading advocate in the NC House for the rights of animals.

Do you have any pets? We are requesting this information because we have received excellent feedback when we profile legislators through social networking and we would like to add a personal touch.

We currently have two furry members of our family, both "pure-bred mutts" as I like to say, who we rescued from abusive/neglectful homes. We rescued Molly, who has some Black Lab and Chow in her, in 2005 and Mr. Darcy, who we think is a mix of Pit Bull, Terrier, and Retriever, in 2006. They are the most loving and wonderful pets imaginable. Pets have always been a big part of my family (My dad proposed to my mom with a Chocolate Lab puppy instead of a ring...), and so many of my earliest and happiest memories involve one pet or another. While I doubt it's one of the things many campaigns will focus on in this busy election year, I want you to know that making sure animals across this state find loving and permanent homes would be a very personal and important priority of mine in office. While I am aware of some good ways to promote this (Ending puppy mills, funding and monitoring shelters, etc.), I would love to have the chance to talk with you about how you think we can best tackle this challenge in the legislature. Please reach out to me at noah@noahfornc.com if you have any questions about my answers here, or want to discuss any other issues relating to animal welfare.