Malcolm Rivera
In Gaston County, North Carolina, the Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing animal-related laws and ordinances. This includes investigating complaints about nuisance animals, such as leash law violations, animals on school grounds, and suspected cases of rabies and cruelty. While the county does not handle wildlife issues, residents can hire specialized companies to deal with nuisance wildlife in their homes or on their property, such as raccoons, skunks, snakes, pigeons, and rats. The City of Gastonia Code Enforcement Division also enforces regulations regarding the placement of dog houses and addresses complaints about damage and nuisance caused by pets.
Gaston County residents have reported issues with various wildlife species, including coyotes, black bears, rabbits, deer, and groundhogs. These animals may be considered a nuisance if they cause property damage, pose a threat to public safety, or create an annoyance within or near residential areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An animal that will eventually drive you crazy. |
| Examples | Coyotes, black bears, raccoons, skunks, snakes, pigeons, rats, squirrels, opossums, foxes, beavers, groundhogs, rabbits, deer, moles, bobcats |
| Responsible authority | Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement Division |
| Duties of the authority | Impound and care for stray, diseased, injured, and unwanted animals at the Animal Shelter |
| Reclaiming pets | Requires proof of ownership, rabies vaccination, and payment of fines |
| Nuisance wildlife removal | Requires a company that specializes in North Carolina wildlife removal |
| Nuisance wildlife control | Requires a permit and compliance with many laws that protect wildlife |
| Nuisance wildlife disposal | Carcasses should be handled outdoors, with precautions to stay upwind and avoid contact with the face |
| Nuisance wildlife definition in Florida | An animal or animals exhibiting behavior that conflicts with human expectations, as per Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 68A-9.010 |
| Nuisance bird definition in Florida | Emitting frequent or long continued sound or noise between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., or for periods of ten minutes or more at any time, as per Pasco County ordinances |
| Nuisance dog definition in Florida | Unreasonably annoying human beings, endangering the life or health of other animals or persons, or substantially interfering with the rights of persons to the enjoyment of life or property, as per Pasco County ordinances |
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What You'll Learn
Animal control services in Gaston County
Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement was established in 1972 to enforce animal-related North Carolina General Statutes and Gaston County Ordinances. The division became part of the County Police Department in 1995. Its mission is to protect citizens from animals and the threat of animals, enhance the safety of citizens, and ensure the proper care and treatment of animals.
Animal Care and Enforcement impounds and cares for stray, diseased, injured, and unwanted animals at the Animal Shelter. The animals are properly housed and cared for until they are reclaimed by their owners, placed with a new owner through the Adoption-Medical Program, or until such designated time.
To reclaim a pet from the shelter, owners must provide proof of ownership, such as veterinarian records, proof of rabies vaccination, and payment of fines for violations of County ordinances and/or NC General Statutes. A list of fees and fines can be found on the Gaston County website.
Animal Care and Enforcement also conducts, promotes, and sponsors educational and training seminars, sometimes through Gaston College, held at the college, the Agricultural Center, various schools, and civic buildings, and the shelter itself. These workshops have been attended by personnel nationwide, and the Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement program has been recognized nationally by the National Association of Counties as one of the best in the state.
Gaston County Animal Services does not handle any wildlife issues. For issues with wildlife, it is recommended to hire a company that specializes in North Carolina wildlife removal, such as City Wide Wildlife Removal Service.
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Coyotes and other exotic animals
Coyotes are native to North America and are a prominent character in Native American folklore, depicted as savvy, clever, and trickster figures. They are highly adaptable and have expanded their range from open prairies and deserts to forests, mountains, and cities. They have a strong sense of smell and keen vision, making them formidable hunters of large prey, such as deer, and small prey, such as rodents and rabbits. They will also eat insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. While they are generally gregarious, their aggressive behaviour is more similar to that of foxes than wolves or dogs.
In Texas, coyotes are considered exotic animals and are currently under a statewide rabies quarantine. It is unlawful to transport or sell live coyotes. However, no hunting license is required to hunt depredating coyotes on private property with landowner authorization.
In Gaston County, North Carolina, the Animal Care and Enforcement Division is responsible for addressing animal-related issues, including nuisance complaints. While the county does not handle wildlife issues, they do provide contact information for wildlife removal services. These services specialize in removing animals from attics and performing general wildlife trapping services.
It is important to note that Gaston County Animal Control enforces ordinances regarding domesticated pets, including ducks, pot-bellied pigs, and other types of pets. The City of Gastonia also has regulations regarding the placement of dog houses and addressing damage caused by pets, such as smell and excrement.
If a family pet has been taken into the shelter, the owner must provide proof of ownership and rabies vaccination to reclaim their pet, along with paying any applicable fines.
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Animal-related complaints
One of the primary concerns in Gaston County is nuisance wildlife, which can include a range of animals such as raccoons, skunks, snakes, pigeons, rats, squirrels, moles, opossums, and even coyotes and black bears. These wild animals may enter homes, buildings, or attics, causing damage and creating unsanitary conditions. While Gaston County Animal Services does not handle wildlife issues, residents are advised to hire specialized companies for safe and proper wildlife removal.
For issues with domesticated pets, such as dogs, cats, ducks, and pot-bellied pigs, Gaston County Animal Control enforces relevant ordinances. This includes regulations pertaining to the need for and placement of dog houses, damage caused by pet excrement, and nuisances caused by odour or other factors. The county also addresses leash laws, animals on school grounds, and reported cases of cruelty, abuse, and neglect.
In addition to wildlife and pet-related complaints, Gaston County also faces challenges with livestock. The Code Enforcement Division works closely with neighbours to address any nuisances caused by livestock, such as noise, odour, or unsanitary conditions. Permits are required for specific types and numbers of livestock, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
To effectively manage animal-related complaints, Gaston County offers educational and training seminars through Gaston College, civic buildings, and the shelter. These workshops promote responsible animal ownership and provide valuable knowledge about animal-related laws and ordinances. By empowering residents with information, the county strives to create a safe and harmonious environment for both people and animals.
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Regulations for domesticated pets
The City of Gastonia in Gaston County, North Carolina, has specific regulations in place regarding domesticated pets. The county's Animal Care and Enforcement Division was established in 1972 to enforce animal-related North Carolina General Statutes and Gaston County Ordinances. The division impounds and cares for stray, diseased, injured, and unwanted animals at the Animal Shelter.
The City of Gastonia Code Enforcement Division investigates violations and enforces city-wide ordinances, including those related to domesticated pets. Gaston County Animal Control enforces all ordinances regarding domesticated pets, including ducks, pot-bellied pigs, and other types of pets. Here are some key regulations for domesticated pets in Gaston County:
- Dog houses and placement: The city has regulations regarding the need for dog houses and their proper placement. This includes ensuring that dog houses meet certain standards and do not cause damage to private property or create a nuisance due to their placement.
- Leash laws: Gaston County enforces leash laws to ensure that pets are properly restrained when in public areas. This helps prevent accidents, aggression, and disturbances caused by unleashed pets.
- Pet excrement: The county has regulations in place to address damage caused by pet excrement on private property. This includes fines for owners who do not clean up after their pets and cause damage or create unsanitary conditions.
- Noise and disturbance: Regulations aim to minimise noise and other disturbances caused by pets. This includes addressing frequent or prolonged noises, such as barking dogs or squawking birds, especially during specified quiet hours.
- Aggressive behaviour: Pet owners are responsible for preventing their animals from becoming a nuisance or danger to other people, animals, or property. This includes repeated attacks or attempts to attack by dogs or other pets while off their owner's property.
- Rabies vaccination: To reclaim a pet from the shelter, owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination. This is crucial for public health and safety, as rabies is a serious and potentially deadly disease.
- Licensing and permits: Depending on the type of pet, owners may need to obtain specific licenses or permits. For example, certain types of livestock may require a permit, and there are regulations on the number and type of livestock allowed.
- Responsible ownership: The county emphasises responsible pet ownership, which includes knowledge of animal-related laws and ordinances. This means understanding the duties and requirements of owning a pet, such as providing proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention.
These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and the community in Gaston County. It is important for pet owners to be aware of these regulations and to take responsibility for their pets' behaviour and impact on others.
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Nuisance wildlife removal
The City of Gastonia's Code Enforcement Division is responsible for investigating and enforcing city-wide ordinances related to nuisance animals. However, it's important to note that Gaston County Animal Services does not handle wildlife issues. Instead, residents are advised to hire a company specializing in North Carolina wildlife removal, such as City Wide Wildlife Removal Service, which offers services for removing animals from attics and buildings, trapping and removing animals that destroy lawns, and dead animal removal.
When dealing with nuisance wildlife, it's essential to follow local regulations and guidelines. In Florida, for example, the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 68A-9.010 defines nuisance wildlife and outlines permitted removal methods, including live traps, snares, and firearms during daylight hours. Captured nuisance wildlife must be legally released or humanely euthanized within 24 hours, and native nuisance wildlife can be released on the landowner's property with their permission.
To prevent conflicts with nuisance wildlife, Gaston County residents should be mindful of their surroundings and take precautions. For instance, expensive fertilizers can attract unwanted animals to yards, and proper waste management can help prevent issues with animals like skunks and opossums, which are known to raid garbage cans. Additionally, educational resources and training seminars are available through Gaston College and other organizations to help residents better understand animal-related laws and responsible ownership.
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Frequently asked questions
A nuisance animal is one that exhibits behaviour that conflicts with human expectations. This could include animals that destroy lawns, steal pet food, raid garbage cans, or emit frequent or long continued sounds or noises.
In Gaston County, North Carolina, nuisance animals include raccoons, skunks, snakes, pigeons, rats, squirrels, opossums, foxes, beavers, groundhogs, coyotes, and black bears. These animals may be removed by specialised companies.
If you have a problem with a nuisance animal in Gaston County, you can contact Gaston County Animal Services at (704) 922-8678 or hire a company that specialises in North Carolina wildlife removal.
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