CITIZENS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT WORKING TOGETHER DURHAM, NC DISTRICT 2


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Periodically, we discuss problems related to at-large animals in our community. Animal Control is working with our community to address the safety issues related to at-large animals and has provided us with the following information:

What you can do to help?

DO report all roaming dogs promptly to Animal Control
DO NOT feed roaming dogs
DO report every incident in which a pet or a person is threatened or injured
DO NOT release animals from traps
DO put a collar with rabies and ID tags on your pet
DO NOT tamper with or vandalize traps
DO obey the leash laws
DO NOT release your pets into the community

    Call 560-0630 (8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Mon-Fri) to report:
  • animal bites
  • attacks on pets
  • roaming dog(s)
  • people being threatened by dog(s)
  • a bat in the living area of your home (not attic)
  • an animal (wild or domestic) acting strangely (could be rabies)
  • a dead raccoon in your yard
     
    Call 911 (5:00 pm – 8:30 am, Mon-Fri, weekends and holidays) to report:
  • animal bites
  • attacks on pets
  • people being threatened by dog(s)
  • a bat in the living area (not attic) of your home
  • an animal (wild or domestic) acting strangely (could be rabies)
  •  
    Call 560-0630 (5:00 pm – 8:30 am, Mon-Fri, weekends and holidays) and leave a message to report:
  • roaming dog(s)
  • a dead raccoon in your yard
  •  
Please take the time to report roaming dogs and animal-related issues to Animal Control. When you call animal control, please:

provide as much detail as possible
make a note of when you called and who you talked to

If you do not believe that you received courteous, professional services, please contact Durham County Animal Control Administrator, Cindy Bailey at 560-0630.


PLEASE NOTE: Animal Control has very limited resources and they will respond to your report as soon as possible.


Durham County Animal Control
Committed to serving your community

Our services to you...

Animal Control is responsible for the control of domestic animals. The department answers all questions and complaints concerning animals and assures that pets are properly licensed and vaccinated. On a daily basis, Animal Control Officers respond to a variety of animal related calls. Some of these calls include: animal bites, animal cruelty investigations reports of dangerous animals, injured or sick animals, animals at large and nuisance animal complaints.

With the recent influx of rabies related incidents, officers are especially attentive to reports of abnormal behavior in wildlife. Animals that are picked up by offices are housed and cared for by the Animal Protection Society at 2117 E. Club Blvd (560-0640, office hours: M-F, 9 AM-5 PM, Sat., 9 AM-Noon); This office also ensures public compliance of the County Animal Control Ordinance and state statutes.

Gee Officer, I didn't know that!"

Here are some common violations you may or may not be aware of.

1. All animals must be restrained on a person's own property or on a leash when off their property.

2. All dogs and cats must be vaccinated for rabies and their rabies tag displayed at all times.

3. All dogs and cats must be licensed.

4. All animals must have food at least once a day, a constant supply and clean water and shelter from the elements at all times (i.e. dog house).

5. A female dog in heat must be kept in a building or secure enclosure.

6. A dog can be deemed a public nuisance if it is allowed to bark at night (11pm-7am) or for a 10 minute period during the day (one or more barks per minute).

7. Cats can be deemed a public nuisance when it: is found on the property of another, walks on or sleeps on the automobiles of another, damages gardens or other foliage or other real or personal popety, is allowed by the owner to habitually roam or be found on the property of another.

8. A dog cannot be housed or restrained within 15 feet of a public right-of-way.

9. All dogs or cats that bite humans must be quarantined for a 10-day period at the animal shelter or veterinarian.

10. All animals bites must be reported to Animal Control.

These are just some of the many violations that Animal Control Officers encounter on a daily basis. Each violation can result in a possible impoundment of the animal, a civil penalty of least $25.00 or more and/or criminal action taken against the owner, if you have any questions about the Durham County Animal Control Ordinance or animal related state statutes, contact the Animal Control Department.

Be Responsible... Spay or Neuter your cats and dogs.

"Spaying and "neutering" are words you're probably familiar with. What you may not know is that these procedures are the most essential part of being a responsible pet owner.

Every year, millions of unwanted and homeless cats and dogs us put to sleep by pounds and animal shelters. The overpopulation of dogs and cats can only be corrected if pet owners realize their important role. These surgical procedures are relatively safe and painless and will prolong and enhance the life of your pet. A spayed or neutered pet is less troublesome and more relaxed. A neutered male is less aggressive, thus reducing fighting and possible injury.

Spaying or neutering also reduces the likelihood of your pet developing cancer or infection of the prostate gland in males and mammary tumors in females. An added benefit in Durham County is a reduced license fee for spayed and neutered pets.

Rabies in Durham: Some facts you need to know

What is rabies? Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. In the last stages of the disease, the virus moves from the brain into the salivary glands and saliva. From there the virus can be transmitted through a bite or by contact with mucous membranes (nose, mouth and eyes). The incubation period for the disease is variable, between 2 weeks and 6 months. Some symptoms include: nocturnal animals seen out during the day, animals that are not afraid of humans, aggressive animals that attack other animals or people without provocation, paralysis of the limbs or throat. Rables is almost always fatal once symptoms occur.

Who can get rabies? Any mammal can get rabies, including humans, dogs, cats, cows, and horses. In North America, raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes and coyotes are most commonly diagnosed with rabies.

How do I protect my animals and myself? The best protection against rabies is vaccination and and avoidance of risk. Vaccination of dogs and cats is required by law. If your dog or cat fights with a raccoon or suspect animal, notify Animal Control, have your animal boostered for rabies within 72 hours and do not touch or go near the wild animal. Do not feed or attract wildlife onto your property, thus avoiding possible contact.

 

Durham Animal Control

2422 Broad Street
(919) 560-0630
(919) 560-9137

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday,
8:30 AM-5:00 PM
animalcontrol@co.durham.nc.us