Source:  NCDA&CS, 11/1/10

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is conducting a study of companion-animal welfare, and the public will have the opportunity to provide input.

The General Assembly authorized the study during the 2010 legislative session. The study will focus on current laws and regulations pertaining to the welfare of dogs and cats; the oversight of public and private animal shelters; the state’s spay/neuter program; the scope of commercial breeding operations; and the protection of consumers who purchase companion animals.

“We need to take a comprehensive look at the issues surrounding the welfare of dogs and cats in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We also want to look at options for reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats that are euthanized in the state each year.”

In addition to contacting animal advocates, law enforcement and other groups with an interest in companion-animal welfare, the department has scheduled three listening sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. to gather public input. The schedule is as follows:
• Nov. 9, Applied Technology Auditorium, Guilford Technical Community College, 601 High Point Road, Jamestown;
• Nov. 10, Room 143 of Leslie Building, Pitt Community College, 1986 Pitt Tech Road, Winterville;
• Nov. 12, Simpson Lecture Room, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, 340 Victoria Road, Asheville.

The public may also submit written comments to animalwelfarestudy@ncagr.gov or by mail to:
Animal Welfare Study Comments
c/o NCDA&CS Animal Welfare Section
1030 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1030

The department will submit results of the study to the General Assembly early next year.