Cumberland County Animal Control
Prepares to Celebrate
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
November 5 - 11, 2000

Cumberland County, NC - The Cumberland County Animal Control Department is joining similar organizations across the U.S. in celebrating National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week November 5 - 11, 2000.

With more than 57,000 cats and 48,000 dogs living in Cumberland County, local Animal Control officials consider it extremely important to educate the community about everything from the importance of spaying and neutering their pets to the consequences of animal abandonment.

There are several activities planned in observance of the week to include educational presentations to local school children, pet training classes, "Adopt an Animal Day" at the shelter and a joint public awareness project at Cross Creek Mall.

The goal is to educate as many people as possible about local animal control matters to continue making Cumberland County a safe and better place for citizens and their pets. The more informed citizens are, the more responsible they are as pet owners.

Attached, you will find a proclamation from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and a list of the week's activities.

For more information on this news release or if you are interested in doing an interview, please contact Cumberland County Public Information Director Tonya Harris-Council at 437-1921.

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Monday - Nov. 6th & Wednesday- Nov. 8th

School presentations are being conducted - Animal Control representatives are visiting two local schools to do educational presentations. Students at Eastover Elementary School (Nov. 6) and Spring Lake Middle School (Nov. 8) will learn about pet safety and proper animal care.

Tuesday - Nov. 7th

Pet training classes are being offered - Animal Control is offering a 10 AM and 2 PM training class with the help of certified volunteer trainer, Pauline Molienon.

Thursday - Nov. 9th

"Adopt an Animal Day" - Animal Control is inviting the public to drop by the shelter (555 N. Eastern Blvd. - across from the Cape Fear Botanical Garden) and check out the pets available for adoption.

Friday - Nov. 10th

Joint Public Awareness Project - Animal Control is teaming up with Animal Haven and the SPCA of Cumberland County to promote better public awareness of animal control matters. The three organizations invite the public to drop by the Community Booth at Cross Creek Mall from 10 AM to 4 PM to learn more about new animal control ordinances, proper pet care and so much more.

For more information on Cumberland County Animal Control, call 321-6852.
Also, check out its new and highly informative Web site,
www.co.cumberland.nc.us/ccac/index.html
Plus, tune in to Pet Matters,
its weekly public affairs TV program,
on the Community Channel (Cable 7) Fridays at 7 PM.

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WHEREAS, there are more than 64 million cats and 62 million dogs living in households across the United States, including more than 57 thousand cats and 48 thousand dogs living in Cumberland County;

WHEREAS, some pet owners have allowed their animals to run loose and unsupervised, causing a threat to public health and safety;

WHEREAS, indiscriminate breeding allowed by some pet owners, who have not had their companion animals spayed or neutered, has contributed to pet overpopulation;

WHEREAS, animal shelter employees, like police officers and emergency medical personnel, must respond to these community problems and crises;

WHEREAS, animal shelters act as safe havens for homeless and abused animals, providing them with comfort and care;

WHEREAS, animal shelters help both animals and people in many ways: by returning lost pets to their owners, enforcing animal control laws, rescuing injured animals, educating the public and matching up families with new animal companions;

WHEREAS, the work of animal shelters and the important services they provide often goes unnoticed and underappreciated by the citizens;

NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of the Cumberland County Animal Shelter and several other local shelters to include Animal Haven, the local Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Haven-Friends For Life and the Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina, for providing important services to animals and people in our community that help improve the quality of life for us all, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim that November 5-11, 2000 as "National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week" in Cumberland County.

This 16th day of October, 2000.

Ed G. Melvin, Chairman
Board of County Commissioners

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