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Animal Services Monthly Report June, 2009 <br /> <br />8 <br />statistics compiled by our Animal Control Division. As is ordinarily the case, the <br />majority of these vaccinations—1328 out of a total of 1676 vaccinations—continue to be <br />performed at veterinary establishments. In addition, another eighty-five (85) animals <br />were vaccinated at our Animal Shelter prior to their adoption or recovery. <br /> <br />Two low-cost rabies vaccination clinics were held in June, and two hundred and sixty <br />three (263) animals were vaccinated at that clinic. So far this year, six low-cost clinics <br />have been held, with 631 animals vaccinated at those clinics. In 2008, 1159 animals were <br />vaccinated at nineteen clinics. Seventeen total clinics were held during 2007—and 1157 <br />dogs and cats were vaccinated as a result. Details and further information about <br />upcoming low-cost clinics are available at <br />http://www.co.orange.nc.us/animalservices.rabies.asp. <br /> <br />All of these activities—public education and outreach, investigations and enforcement, <br />and providing low-cost vaccination clinics—are critical given that Orange County <br />continues to be affected by the epidemic of “eastern raccoon rabies” that began in the <br />latter half of the 1990s. <br /> <br /> <br />Special Monthly Notes <br /> <br /> <br />The most notable monthly occurrence in June was the opening of our brand new Animal <br />Services Center on Eubanks Road. The center, which opened on June 1st, was the most <br />tangible illustration of years of planning and preparation. Existing facilities on Revere <br />Road in Hillsborough (Animal Control), Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (Shelter) and <br />Franklin Street (Admin) were all closed permanently for three days at the end of May to <br />allow for the movement of animals, furnishings and supplies, and all three divisions of <br />Animal Services merged into one state-of-the-art facility for the first time since the <br />department’s creation. The new center features a green design, glass-fronted kennels, <br />and improvements in water usage, disease control, space and overall aesthetics and <br />environmental stimulation for both the animals and visitors that come to Animal <br />Services. <br /> <br />Still a factor in disposition numbers again this month is the overall economic downturn <br />that North Carolina and other regions have experienced. As has been discussed in <br />professional publications and reviewed on national news coverage, this economic burden <br />has forced many people to give up things they once were more able to afford, including <br />pets. Our impression is that this may not only be affecting adoption numbers, but also <br />owner surrenders, reclaim rates and the ability for people to provide different levels of <br />care such as spaying and neutering pets. Despite the economy’s effects on businesses of <br />all kinds, adoption and reclaim numbers have stayed moderately level, in part due to <br />staff’s dedicated work in areas such as outreach, visibility, awareness, and education. <br /> <br /> <br />Conclusion