Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
10 <br /> of an overload of testing requests. Rabid animals <br /> have been identified in several counties surrounding <br /> Orange County. This calls for increased vigilance <br /> in rabies control activities and heightened col- <br /> laboration among those agencies dealing with <br /> animals, both wild and domestic. Because of this <br /> clear public health interest, the Board of Health <br /> recommends that its responsibilities for animal <br /> control not only be retained but be strengthened. <br /> E. Should the County consider contracting with a <br /> private organization for the operation of the <br /> animal control program? <br /> The legal enforcement is difficult to delegate by <br /> contract. The powers and duties of the Health <br /> Department outlined in general statutes to <br /> investigate and abate public health problems will be <br /> critical in battling emerging zoonotic conditions. <br /> "OVERALL FINDINGS OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE" <br /> No evidence was found, either in the County' s internal <br /> audit or in the work of the Animal Control/Shelter Study <br /> Committee, to support allegations of incompetence or <br /> mismanagement on the part of animal control or shelter staff <br /> members. Through the accomplishments of both the Orange <br /> County Animal Control Division and the Animal Protection <br /> Society of Orange County, the County has an effective and <br /> exemplary program for animal control and the humane care and <br /> treatment of animals. Both organizations achieve their <br /> objectives, and operations are managed by dedicated and <br /> trained professional staff members. The organizations have <br /> become leaders within the state in their respective spheres, <br /> and the County' s programs deserve to serve as models for <br /> other counties to follow. Orange County citizens who entrust <br /> animals to both organizations ' care can have complete <br /> confidence that the animals will be treated competently and <br /> humanely. <br /> However, there are areas within both programs that must <br /> be improved for continued success. The suggested areas for <br /> improvement are as follows: <br /> A. FINDING #1 - Need for Effective Coordination and <br /> Communication Between Orange County Animal Control <br /> Division and the Animal Protection Society. <br /> Under the community' s coordinated program, <br /> responsibilities are divided between a public <br /> organization and a private nonprofit organization. <br /> Although each organization has its own defined <br /> responsibilities, and each is accountable for the <br /> effectiveness of its own operations, neither <br /> 8 <br />