|
General Information:
Matthews Animal Control consists of a Senior Animal Control Officer and an Animal Control Officer. Matthews Animal Control operates a small temporary holding facility located at 1600 Tank Town Road (Directions & Map) at Matthews Public Works.
Matthews Animal Control is charged with enforcement of the Matthews Animal Control Ordinance, the Mecklenburg County Rabies Control Ordinance and State Laws relating to Animal Control. Matthews Animal Control responds to calls for services for the Town of Matthews city limits only. Addresses outside the city limits of Matthews are serviced by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control (704) 336-7600 or Union County Animal Control (704) 283-2308, depending in which county the address falls.
If you have a concern or need to request a call for service concerning a loose or stray dog, animal bite, sick or injured wildlife, cruelty or abuse complaint, barking complaint, or similar problem please call Matthews Animal Control at (704) 847-3644. If you have an emergency such as an animal attack, rabid animal or seriously injured animal, please contact Matthews Police at (704) 847-4069. If you need assistance with other wildlife issues such as snakes, opossums, wildlife in your attic or crawlspace, please check the wildlife resources listed here for possible solutions.
A copy of the Matthews Animal Control Ordinance may be downloaded here:
AnimalControlOrd.pdf
Town Animal License Info:
All dogs, cats & ferrets 4 months of age or older, that live inside the city limits of Matthews, must be vaccinated for rabies as well as possess a current Town of Matthews Animal License. A one (1) year Animal License cost $10 for sterile (spayed or neutered) animals and $30 for fertile animals. Effective October 10, 2006, one (1) year Animal Licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. A three (3) year Animal License may be purchased for sterile animals if the animal’s rabies vaccination was given within the last three (3) months. Failure to properly license your animals could result in $50+ citations per animal. (See Ordinance 91A-41 in the Town Ordinance)
In order to properly process your license application, or to obtain an Animal License, you must present proof of a current rabies vaccination for each pet to be licensed. If you do not have a copy of your pet’s Rabies Certificate that you received when the vaccination was given, you may be able to get an additional copy from the veterinarian that performed the vaccination. To receive the cheaper Animal License rate for sterile animals you must also present proof from a veterinarian that your animal has been spayed or neutered. If you have four (4) or more dogs, cats, ferrets or any combination thereof, regardless of whether they are housed indoors or outside, you will need a “Four Or More” Permit as well. See below for details.
Town of Matthews Animal License Application: TownPetLicense.pdf
Online License Purchasing
“Four Or More” Permit:
If you have four (4) or more dogs, cats, ferrets or any combination thereof, regardless of whether they are housed indoors or outside, you will need a “Four Or More” Permit to own more than 3 animals within the city limits of Matthews, NC. There is a $25 Application Fee for all Permits, which is nonrefundable. Permits are valid for one year from the date they are issued and must be renewed annually. (See Ordinance 91A-43 in the Town Ordinance)
Matthews “Four Or More” Permit Application: fourormorepermitapp.pdf
Town Permit for Livestock, Horses, Chickens, etc.:
If you plan to own any livestock, horses, chickens, pigs, goats, etc. within city limits of Matthews, NC, you will need a Town Permit before you will be permitted to do so. There is a $25 Application Fee for all Permits, which is nonrefundable. Permits are valid for one year from the date they are issued and must be renewed annually. (See Ordinance 91A-42 in the Town Ordinance)
Matthews Town Permit Application: TownAnimalPermit.pdf
“Leash Law” Information:
Matthews Animal Control enforces a “Leash Law”. All dogs must be on a secured leash at all times when off the property of the owner. Stray dogs or animals running at large may be impounded and held at Matthews Animal Control or transported to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control at 8315 Byrum Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217 to be held for 72 hours. Other examples of violations of this ordinance include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Dog being restrained inside an invisible fence without wearing the associated collar or without a posted sign stating the dog is being restrained by an invisible fence. (See Ordinance 91A-31a in the Town Ordinance)
· An owner allowing their dog to run loose on the owner’s property without being in direct supervision of the dog. (See Ordinance 91A-31b in the Town Ordinance)
· Allowing a dog to run loose inside a park or public fenced area that isn’t properly designated as a dog park or “leash free” area. (See Ordinance 91A-31c in the Town Ordinance)
There is a reclaim fee at both locations and any allotted fines must be paid at that time of reclaiming the animal. If you have lost a dog or cat, please call to confirm the location of the animal before traveling to either location to reclaim.
If You Have Lost A Pet:
If you have lost a pet there are a few places you should look. First, contact Matthews Animal Control (704) 847-3644 and ask if we may have picked up your pet or had any calls concerning a pet like yours. This also makes us aware that your pet is missing so that we can help you locate it. If you have to leave a message, please be sure to include important details such as your name, your phone number, your address, the breed of your pet, the color or markings of your pet, if it was wearing a collar or tags and last known location.
Second, you should check with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control (704) 336-7600 at 8315 Byrum Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217 to make sure your pet hasn’t been found and already turned into their facility. We recommend you visit their facility in person if possible to be as thorough as possible in your search but you can also search “found pets” at PetHarbor.com. Your pet may only be held for 72 hours after being impounded so it is important to check often.
Third, you should check with Union County Animal Control (704) 283-2308 to ensure your pet hasn’t been found and turned into their facility.
Animal Bites & Exposures:
All animal bites & scratches should be reported to your local Animal Control immediately to ensure the risk of contracting rabies has been minimized. When reporting a bite or exposure, please include important details such as:
• Victim’s Name
• Victim’s Age or Date of Birth
• Victim’s Address
• Victim’s Phone Number(s)
• Owner’s Name
• Owner’s Address
• Owner’s Phone Number(s)
• A Description of the Animal
• The Animal’s Name (if known)
• Date & Time the Bite/Exposure Occurred
• Location of the Biting Animal Currently
According to North Carolina General Statute 130A-196, a dog or cat (regardless of rabies vaccination status) that bites a person must be confined for a 10-day observation period at a place designated by the local health director. If there is no sign of rabies, the animal may be released from custody after the 10-day quarantine. If the dog or cat exhibits signs of rabies or dies at any time during the confinement, the animal (if still alive) should be euthanised and the animal should immediately be sent to the State Laboratory of Public Health. If the biting animal cannot be located, the victim should obtain PEP (Post Exposure Prophalaxif or “Human Rabies Vaccinations”). If the biting animal tests positive for rabies, the victim(s) should immediately begin PEP. The State Laboratory of Public Health will not test dogs and cats that bite and have no signs of rabies. Please contact Matthews Animal Control (704) 847-3644 and/or the Mecklenburg County Health Department (704) 336-6440 if you have any questions.
If you have a bat inside your home, please contact Matthews Animal Control immediately. Do not release the bat outdoors as it may need to be tested. If a bat is found in the room with a sleeping or unconscious child or adult, or child or adult who is incapable of stating with certainty that no contact with the bat occurred, the bat should be tested for rabies. (The State Laboratory of Public Health will test only bats that have had human interaction of one of the following types: a bite; handling where a bite cannot be ruled out; or bat found in a domicile with access to humans while they are asleep, unconscious or incapacitated). If a bite or non-bite exposure may have occurred and the bat cannot be tested or testing is inconclusive, PEP should be initiated as soon as possible (preferably to be started within 5 days of the exposure). If the bat tests negative for rabies, PEP is not recommended. (Real life examples: If someone touches an old and dry bat with their bare hands and does not put his/her finger in the bats mouth, PEP is not recommended. If someone removes a freshly dead bat from an exhaust fan and does not touch the bat with bare hands, PEP is not recommended. Please contact Matthews Animal Control (704) 847-3644 and/or the Mecklenburg County Health Department (704) 336-6440 if you have any questions.
Rabies Clinic Information:
The next Town of Matthews Rabies Clinic will be held at the Public Works Department at 1600 Tank Town Road on (Saturday) June 7, 2008 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon.
Directions: From North Trade Street turn onto East Charles Street, the street directly behind the Matthews Post Office. East Charles becomes Tank Town Road and dead ends at Public Works. Just follow the posted signs on E. Charles St. to the Public Works / Animal Control facility.
Miller Animal Hospital of 10638 Monroe Rd sponsors the rabies clinic. Additional vaccines and heartworm tests may be discounted. One and three year rabies shots are $10. You must show proof you have purchased a current Town pet license. Matthews Animal Control personnel will be on hand to assist you.
While the clinic is intended for Town of Matthews residents, non-residents may participate for a $10 fee per owner.
All dogs must be on a leash and cats must be confined inside a pet carrier for public safety.
If you have any questions, call Dr. Jack Miller at 704-847-0224 or go to Dr. Miller’s web site at www.MillerAnimalHospital.com. You may also contact Matthews Animal Control at 704-847-3644. We look forward to seeing you there.
Wildlife Resources:
Matthews Animal Control primarily deals with dogs & cats as well as sick, injured or rabid wildlife. If you need assistance with other wildlife issues such as snakes, opossums, etc. please check the wildlife resources below for possible solutions:
· Snake Removal – (704) 907-5822
· NC Wildlife Division Officer – (704) 948-9953
· A-1 Wildlife – (704) 334-1922
· Critter Control – (704) 333-1110 or (704) 529-0551
· A Clean Sweep (for squirrels in chimneys) – (704) 845-1200
|
