Animal Shelter Statistics - 05-2008

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Animal Services Monthly Report May, 2008 6 period, and permit systems that require a permit for dogs and cats that are going to be bred. Moreover, there is an overwhelming need to address the deep-seated problem of feral cats in Orange County. Month after month feral cats (as defined by their community history and/or observed behaviors in the context of the shelter) are one of the largest groups of animals euthanized. In May, 25 feral cats were euthanized, and they comprised 30 percent of all cats euthanized during the month (and 16 percent of all animals euthanized). In fact, euthanasia of feral cats is not a “shelter problem,” but rather a community problem, and it needs to be addressed as such. There is a great need for initiatives in the area of public education to raise awareness insofar as euthanasia is the end result for most of these creatures, and their presence must be considered in relation to the risk of rabies, given the ongoing and endemic nature of so-called “raccoon rabies” in our County and region. Thus addressing the problem of feral cats has also been a major objective for the County’s Animal Services Department, and will be included in the Community Spay/ Neuter Fund’s program scope, beginning next fiscal year. These are illustrations of the kinds of positive and proactive approaches that are needed to address the problem of pet overpopulation as a community problem. In working to reduce the number of unwanted animals that must be sheltered in our own communities, we would also expect improvements in some of the outcomes of our sheltering practices. We should all look forward to the day when there are very good numbers of adoptions and “live releases” but no less notable ongoing decreases in the number of animals that come to our shelter. Rabies Cycle, Rabies Prevention and Rabies Control With respect to rabies control—historically a core function of animal control—there is a continuing concern about positive rabies tests based upon public reporting and our surveillance of possible exposures of people and/or their pets. Table C.1 Rabies Exposures Investigated and Positive Cases shows that this month there were six (6) positive rabies tests in Orange County in May, bringing the total for the year to nine. There were nineteen (19) positive rabies tests in Orange County for 2007. Our own public education activities stress that pet owners not only need to be sure that their pets are vaccinated and licensed but that a dog or cat with a current rabies vaccination must receive a booster shot within seventy-two (72) hours of any exposure to rabies. Unless an exposed pet with a current vaccination receives a booster shot within that time frame, the requirements of North Carolina law is the same as for an unvaccinated animal—namely, euthanasia or a six (6) month quarantine. In this regard, staff stresses the immediate reporting of any possible contact to animal control and/or public health authorities to ensure the health of all members of a household—human and pet alike.