Click here to email the Commissioners. Please be polite. Offensive language hurts our effort.
Current ordinances are outdated, confusing and need an overall update. They do nothing to prevent animal cruelty and abuse.
As an example, ordinances do not define what constitutes 'proper shelter' for outdoor dogs. To the left are pictures of dog shelters which Animal Control said passed the current code. We want the following definitions added to the code:
Dogs must have access to a structurally sound, moisture-proof, and windproof shelter. A minimum of four sides, a roof, and a solid floor raised at least 2–4 inches off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation.
Shelter must have shade and insultation.
Shelter area must be clean and free of feces, trash, debris, and standing water.
Dog must have access to clean and fresh water.
Dog should not appear emaciated or have untreated open wounds unless under documented veterinary care.
Tethered dogs must have a radius of no less than 10 feet, with the tether attached to a properly fitting collar.
Tether may not exceed one-eighth of the dog's body weight.
Fenced enclosures must offer at least 113 square feet per dog. Dogs must be brought indoors during extreme cold, extreme heat or North Carolina 'state of emergency' weather events.
We will never solve the pet homelessness crisis in Union County without more community spay neuter. The cost of spay neuter surgery is out of reach for limited income pet owners.
Previous Commissioners have taken proactive steps to support this effort. We applaud them on these successes which include:
Hiring a County Veterinarian in 2022.
Providing $42,000 for a spay neuter program in 2023.
We would like to see a dedicated annual $50,000 spay neuter fund to subsidize the cost of surgery for Union County residents. A recurring county-funded spay/neuter program would reduce the number of unwanted animals entering our shelter.
The Union County Animal Shelter (UCAS) was built 20 years ago but our population has grown 40%.
We are going to need a bigger, better shelter to serve our increased population.
We want the Commissioner's to direct County staff to develop recommendations and costs for renovation and expansion options of the shelter facility.
We also want more Animal Control Officers to address the needs of residents after hours and on weekends.
We want a countywide nuisance wandering dog ordinance. These dogs are at high risk of being hit by cars and encountering wildlife infected with rabies. We want property owners to prove or document a nuisance dog is aggressive before they can shoot it.
The majority of loose dogs are abandoned and just need help. 72% of stray dogs impounded at the shelter are never claimed by owners. These dogs are often starving and injured. We should have enough Animal Control officers to pick up strays.
Loose dogs can also injure and kill livestock which costs our rural residents thousands in damages. Dogs also attack and kill companion pets, obstruct roadways, and chase children at rural schools. We need to balance our traditions as a rural county with the well-being and public safety of residents and animals.
Sign the petition below NOW to make animal welfare a higher priority in Union County.
Change for Union County is the 'friends of the shelter' program for UCAS. We work in positive collaboration with UCAS. We are a pro-law enforcement volunteer group.
