LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) – In Robeson County, ten children have been severely bitten by dogs this year. Only two of those dog bites were properly vaccinated.
Director Robeson County Department of Public Health Bill Smith said “we’re having probably having two cases a month of wild rabies if you will. Quite often they are coming in contact with the dogs and haven’t been vaccinated.”
The licensing program would work with the states required vaccinations, which includes the rabies shots.
“If we can implement a licensing program that is attached the rabies shot. We’ll up out vaccination rate and we’ll also get the animals under control because there will be some ownership,” says Smith.
Funding for the program will come from the county general fund. But the recommendation must be approved by the board of commissioners.
Smith explains, “The problem would be, we would need more animal control officers to enforce the licensing and rabies program.”
Earlier this month, the city of Lumberton passed an ordinance that requires residents to own no more than three dogs, all dogs to be registered with the city and wear tags reflecting their address and updated shot record, all dogs be spayed or neutered before six months of age.
“We’re not dealing with specific breeds, we’re treating all breeds the same. I think that’s the problem with pit bull owners in particular. Don’t single me out there are other issues,” says Smith.
Health Director Smith has already sent the letter to the Robeson County Board of Commissioners. It should address the licensing program during next monthly meeting next month.
