Beginning on Monday, August 27, 2012, the Gaston County Police Department Animal Control Division will begin a neighborhood canvassing initiative in the area of W. Rankin and N. Ransom Streets in Gastonia. Research of crime analysis data from April through June 2012 indicated that this area had the highest number of reported complaints and Animal Control investigations in the county during that period.
In an effort to reduce animal control complaints and investigations in this area, the Gaston County Police Department Animal Control Division is coordinating a community oriented policing approach by teaming up with the North Central Community Watch to help disseminate legal, health, safety and other general animal-related information in the neighborhood. This multi-faceted approach in applying problem solving techniques and citizen involvement shares the goal of reducing the number of animal complaints and problems reported in the area.
Citizens will be provided a resource list of area veterinarians for information relating to rabies vaccinations, spaying or neutering and general pet-related care information.
North Carolina Law requires all dogs and cats over 4 months of age and ferrets over 3 months of age, to be vaccinated against rabies. Gaston County ordinances require pet owners to purchase and display a County license tag for their vaccinated dogs, cats and ferrets. Dog owners are also required to maintain their dogs exclusively on their property.
This community-oriented canvassing initiative is an effort to increase citizens’ awareness of animal related laws and available pet health resources, promote spaying and neutering of pets to avoid unwanted litters and reduce the number of animal-related problems in the area.
For further information contact Sgt. J.F. Phil or Supervisor S.J. Hay, Gaston County Police Department Animal Control Division at (704) 922-8677.