What Is Animal Services?
Simply put, it is a way to help people and animals live together in harmony. This is in line with our Mission & Objectives.
The Cumberland County Animal Services Department strives to protect:
- Pets and Wild Animals from the many dangers they face in the wild and on the streets.
- People and Property from the dangers and nuisance of uncontrolled roaming animals.
Have you ever wondered why there is a need for a department like Animal Services?
The reason is -- people. Animal problems begin with pet owners who:
- let their pets roam free;
- fail to observe laws and ordinances; and
- allow their pets to have unwanted litters.
In order to protect our community and our local pet population, Animal Services needs the help of its citizens. Hopefully,
by taking the time to view this web site, a better understanding will be gained of what this department does and does not do.
Cumberland
County Animal Services Department operates a shelter and adoption program to protect and
find homes for unwanted animals; enforces ordinances, such as leash
laws, laws governing vaccinations and humane treatment; and also educates
the public, to make citizens aware of animal control problems and ways
to help solve them!
Animal Services is prepared to handle many situations:
- Complaint investigation - look into complaints of noisy, destructive or threatening
animals. If necessary, proper legal action may be taken (including
citations, fines and impoundment).
- Cruelty investigation - enforce laws governing humane the treatment of
animals. If necessary, may remove animals from unsafe or unhealthy
conditions and begin legal action against negligent owners.
- Animal quarantine - animals that bite are located and captured to make certain
that they are not carrying any disease.
- Animal rescue - use knowledge and equipment to help find and rescue
lost or trapped animals.
The personnel at Animal Services wear many hats and strive to perform each and every aspect of their job
as professionally and thoroughly as possible.
They will:
- love and care for the animals brought into the shelter.
- do their best to find homes for as many of the animals as possible.
- And only as a last resort, use euthanization.
When calls or requests are received, they are prioritized by considering public safety, animal safety and
available personnel resources. Listed below are the department's priorities and actions:
- Vicious or Dangerous Animals / Animal Bites - immediately responds to reports
that an animal has either bitten a person or is menacing the public.
- Animal Cruelty - checks on the health and well being of animals reportedly
being neglected or physically abused.
- Requests for Service - assists other agencies in impounding or identifying the location
of dangerous or vicious animals; enforcing animal-related ordinances;
investigating complaints (noise, leash law, etc.); impounding stray and
surrendered animals; and providing customer assistance and service.
- Patrol
for Stray Animals - impounds stray animals before they can become a
threat or nuisance to the public.
- Write
Citations and Testify in Court - writes infraction notices to pet owners
of animals that are observed in violation of animal-related ordinances;
records what is seen, and testifies in court when subpoenaed.
- Public
Education - makes presentations at schools, neighborhood centers and
other high-visible community events; disseminates humane education
information through pamphlets, brochures, as well as print and visual
media.
What
can citizens do to help?
Support
the efforts of this department and be a responsible pet owner.
- Have pet spayed or neutered.
- Do not let pet run free. For instance, keep pet dogs on a leash.
- Report all cases of animal abuse or inhumane treatment.
- Have pet vaccinated and licensed according to North Carolina laws.
- Obey all laws and ordinances that affect pet owner and pet.
Can also help by:
