The Animal Control Program operates the Animal Shelter for Cleveland County. Its purpose is to protect the public's health through impoundment, adoption, return to owner, and humane euthanasia. Officers of the Animal Control program enforce local ordinances and state laws in order to prevent and control rabies. The Animal Control Program co-sponsors annual countywide rabies clinics with local veterinarians who provide rabies vaccinations at convenient locations for a reduced fee. Animal Control Officers:
- investigate all animal bites;
- investigate all reports of injured animals;
- investigate all reports of cruelty to animals;
- and investigate all complaints related to animals which are a nuisance and / or dangerous.
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Cleveland County has experienced a tremendous increase in confirmed cases of rabies. Since June 1998, one hundred and forty-four cases have been confirmed. Countywide awareness and preventive efforts have been ongoing. New rules for animal adoption have been implemented by the County Health Director.
The Animal Control Staff, the Humane Society and veterinarians have worked diligently together to stop the spread of rabies. Prevention is the key to successfully stopping rabies from invading the domestic animal population. rabies vaccination for domestic animals works!
Long term prevention strategies to educate future pet owners and the community are the ultimate solution.
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