The Public Safety Department employs one full-time Animal Control Officer, their duties include:
- Patrol the City to enforce animal control laws and ordinances
- Investigate complaints and testify in court
- Pick-up stray animals
- Set traps and cages to collect animals
- Take apprehended animals to shelter for containment and/or quarantine if needed.
- Investigate reports of animal bites and enforce laws requiring confinement of animals for observation
- Investigate cases of cruelty to animals, recommend appropriate action; takes wounded animals to the County shelter for care
The Animal Control officer works closely with Burke County Animal Services. Stray dogs and cats are taken to the County Animal Shelter and they can be reached at (828) 764-9588.
FAQs
What do I do if I have been bitten by an animal?
Seek medical attention for the bite immediately. Your medical provider should contact Morganton Animal Control to report the bite. If for some reason they do not, then you should call (828) 715-7970 to report the bite yourself. If you decide not to seek medical treatment for the bite you must still report the bite, even if it is your own animal that has bitten you.
If my animal has bitten someone, will Morganton Animal Control take the animal from me?
Not necessarily, but the animal is required to be quarantined for ten (10) days as a public health preventative measure. The owner is allowed to get the animal back after the quarantine period is over but if the animal dies for any reason during the quarantine then it must be tested by the state lab for rabies.
How do I protect myself against dog bites?
Tips to prevent dog bites:
- Never approach a dog you don’t know or a dog that is alone without its owner, especially if the dog is behind a fence, tied with a rope or chain, or in a parked car.
- Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping or guarding something. Dogs naturally guard their puppies, food, bones and toys.
- Never chase or tease dogs. Don’t poke, hit, pull, or pinch a dog.
- Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog.
- Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
- If attacked, give the dog an object, such as a jacket or backpack to bite or chew on.
If you are approached by a dog that may attack you, follow these steps:
- Resist the impulse to scream and run away.
- Do not turn your back, and keep your hands at your sides
- Maintain eye contact and slowly back away until he is out of sight.
- If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
- If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
To contact the Animal Control office call 828-715-7970.