Animal Shelter Statistics 12-2009

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Animal Services Monthly Report December, 2009 8 statistics compiled by our Animal Control Division. As is ordinarily the case, the majority of these vaccinations—936 out of a total of 1042 vaccinations—continue to be performed at veterinary establishments. In addition, another one hundred and six (106) animals were vaccinated at our Animal Services Center prior to their adoption or recovery. No low-cost rabies vaccination clinics were held in December, but a total of 1084 animals were vaccinated at the ten clinics held in 2009. There are ten low-cost clinics scheduled for 2010 and all but two are being held at the new Animal Services Center. For information about upcoming clinics, visit http://www.co.orange.nc.us/animalservices.rabies.asp. All of these activities—public education and outreach, investigations and enforcement, and providing low-cost vaccination clinics—are critical given that Orange County continues to be affected by the epidemic of “eastern raccoon rabies” that began in the latter half of the 1990s. Special Monthly Notes During the month of November, the department kicked off its annual Home for the Holidays campaign, designed to raise awareness of adoptable animals during the holiday season. The campaign continued throughout December with several outreach and public awareness events. This year, the campaign kicked off with guided tours, refreshments and several handouts and freebies for customers. Adoption events were held throughout the month and the department also participated in two Holiday parades. In December, the department also hosted its first annual Canned Pet Food Drive, where cans of dog and cat food were collected from the public from December 7 – 12 to help those in need during the Holiday Season. Animal Services partnered with Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM), who delivered the donated food to community residents in need, and also offered a free picture with Santa on Sunday, December 13th for anyone who donated four cans or more during the drive. Another notable accomplishment was that the Center’s in-house spay and neuter suite went into operation during the month of December. The suite, which is designed to allow the Center the ability to spay and neuter its own adoptable pets rather than send them to other establishments for such service, will be beneficial to the department and animals in many ways. It will not only save in transportation and staff time, but will also reduce the risk associated with transporting animals for surgery (and potentially exposing them to outside elements). Future plans also include educational opportunities for the public, as the suite is designed with a picture window that will allow visitors to view surgeries in process. A notable factor in disposition numbers still again this month is the overall economic downturn that North Carolina and other regions have experienced. As has been discussed