Haywood County Animal Services – Animal Abandonment
During the past several weeks Haywood County Animal Services has seen an influx of animals come into the shelter. The news report by WLOS 13 this past week reporting the abandonment of dogs in a remote Haywood County location is one reason for this influx. There are leads to this specific incident of dumping animals in a remote site. We are currently following leads and collecting information on this specific incident. Anyone having information please contact Animal Services of Haywood County. If you happen to see someone dropping off animals in a remote site any information about the vehicle and the persons inside will assist us in identifying the subject. This can include pictures, video, description of animals, vehicle tag number or even better the person who owns the animals. There are laws in the state of North Carolina that prohibit the abandonment of animals.
North Carolina General Statute: 14-361.1. Any person being the owner or possessor, or having charge or custody of an animal, who willfully and without justifiable excuse abandons the animal is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.” The second law regarding abandonment of an animal is Haywood County Ordinance:Chapter 91.03(d) Cruelty to and Neglect of Animals; It shall be unlawful to abandon such animal except to relinquish the animal to the shelter during normal business hours in accordance with policies and procedures then in effect at the animal shelter.
These types of abandonment are inhumane and the result of its owner not taking responsibility for the animal. Owning an animal is a lifetime commitment even if dire circumstances come about. There are resources to assist owners with rehoming. There is no reason whatsoever to abandon an animal in a remote location. If you do witness an incident of this type, please do not approach the animal. It will be scared and unfamiliar with the location and could possibly cause the animal to bite or attack. Notify local animal services or law enforcement so they may take appropriate actions.
Haywood County Animal Services: 828-456-5338 (Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-4p)
After Hours Call the non-Emergency Sheriff’s Department: 828-452-6666
Howard W. Martin
Haywood County Animal Services Director
453 Jones Cove Road
Clyde, NC 28721
Phone: 828-356-2570
Fax: 828-456-9340
County Internal Extension 2570
howard.martin@haywoodcountync.gov
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Original wlos.com article: