ELIZABETHTOWN — Concerns and rescues following the effects of Hurricane Matthew in Bladen County weren’t focused solely on human residents, but those of the feline and canine variety as well.
Karen Suggs, manager of the Bladen County Animal Shelter, said her facility didn’t suffer any damage during the storm, but there were plenty of other things keeping the staff busy.
“Animal Control was called out for emergency rescues during the storm and was able to get the pets out of the water and to their owners,” she said. “We have had a lot of calls on missing pets, and we have been able to get two dogs back to their owners so far.”
In addition to the ongoing efforts to make sure local pets are safe, Suggs said the public should be aware of other concerns going forward.
“We would like to encourage all pet owner’s to make sure that their animals have access to clean drinking water,” she said.
Suggs added that the Bladen County Animal Shelter is operating on normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. for adoptions; and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for animal drop-offs or return to owners.
“The Bladen County Animal Shelter is still taking donations for treats, toys and blankets for the pets in our shelter,” she said.
Along with numerous other events, Hurricane Matthew postponed the Animal Shelter’s scheduled rabies clinic, originally planned for Oct. 8.
The new date will be Friday, Oct. 28, at Bladen County Animal Control, located at 506 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown, from 1 to 2 p.m.
“North Carolina law states ‘the owner of every dog and cat over 4 months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies,’” Suggs said. “In Bladen County, the owners of dogs and cats which have not been vaccinated in accordance with this law are subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $200.”
The rabies clinic will offer one-year and three-year rabies shots at a cost of $6 each. Pet owners must have proof of previous rabies shot to receive a three-year vaccination for the pet(s).
Anyone needing information cal call the Bladen County Animal Control/Shelter at 910-872-6262.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.