Animal Shelter Statistics - 03-2006

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Orange County Animal Services – March 2006 Monthly Report – Page 5 Of course, such intake also continues to underscore the importance of promoting pet owner responsibility in our communities and County. While responsible pet ownership begins with matters such as rabies vaccination and licensing, among other legal requirements, in fact, it is much broader. It includes socialization and training, no unwanted offspring, and the formation of a lifelong human-animal bond. Thus our staff will necessarily continue to provide public education on health and safety, perform spay/neuter outreach, and offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics. Animal Intake Data Total Percent AnimalControl FromPublic Incoming of Total Strays (1) Surrender Strays Surrender Chapel Hill 18 1 12 31 62 20.74% Carrboro 6 0 3 7 16 5.35% Hillsborough 4 6 9 10 29 9.70% Orange County 89 39 11 22 161 53.85% Night Deposit 0 0 19 4 23 7.69% Other County 1 0 1 6 8 2.68% Total 118 46 55 80 299 100.00% Strays173 57.86% Animal Control 164 54.85% Surrenders126 42.14% Public 135 45.15% (1) “Strays” under Animal Intake Data also includes impounded animals not surrendered to Animal Services With respect to rabies control—historically one of the core functions of our own and other animal control programs throughout the United States—we have continued to see positive rabies tests based upon public reporting and our surveillance of possible exposures of people and/or their pets. In March, there were actually three positive rabies tests of raccoons, although in only one case was it determined that there was an actual exposure. These tests brought the total to (6) for 2006 (five raccoons and a skunk). Experience in these cases this month has prompted staff to remind pet owners not only that their pets must be 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 state law are the same as for an unvaccinated animal—namely, euthanasia or a six (6) month quarantine. Ensuring that this requirement is always met requires awareness and immediate action. In the event that their pet has possible contact with a raccoon or other wildlife animal, an owner should be sure to contact their Animal Control program right away. In this way, it is possible to take appropriate action including that an exposed pet receive a booster shot within the required time frame to ensure its own health and the health of the public. As can be seen from the following table (Rabies Exposure Investigations), the three positive tests results came from nineteen (19) rabies cases our Animal Control Officers investigated in the course of the month. Usually, these are cases involving known or suspected contact between a domestic small animal and a wild animal such as a raccoon, as well as whether there is an indirect contact between a human and pet member of a household in these situations.