Staff Shortages Leads Cumberland County to Close Animal Shelter

Author Brandon Plotnick

January 3rd, 2022 12:46 PM

Staff shortages due to “vacancies and COVID-19 exposures” has led Cumberland County Animal Services to temporarily close the county’s animal shelter until further notice.

Cumberland County sent a release Monday saying that the closure will impact adoptions and drop-offs to the animal shelter. Don’t worry though, if your pet has been taken to animal services, you can still schedule an appointment to go pick them up.

“We will go out for loose aggressive dogs, animal bites, potential rabies exposure cases or anything that affects public safety or the life of an animal,” Animal Services Director Elaine Smith said. “Other situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis and responded to if possible. We will not be picking up stray animals, unless they are in a life-threatening situation, or they are a public safety threat.”

Full release from Cumberland County about the animal shelter:

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.– Cumberland County’s Animal Services is closing to the public until further notice due to staffing shortages from vacancies and COVID-19 exposures. This temporary closure affects adoptions and drop-off of animals to the facility. Pet owners may schedule appointments to reclaim their pets that have been picked up and taken to the shelter.

The staffing shortage is also affecting field services because employees are being pulled in to assist with caring for the animals in the shelter.

“We will go out for loose aggressive dogs, animal bites, potential rabies exposure cases or anything that affects public safety or the life of an animal,” Animal Services Director Elaine Smith said. “Other situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis and responded to if possible. We will not be picking up stray animals, unless they are in a life-threatening situation, or they are a public safety threat.”

Non-emergency services will be delayed until staffing levels have increased.

For information with Animal Services, visit the County’s website cumberlandcountync.gov/animalservices or call Animal Services at 910-321-6852.

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Author Brandon Plotnick

Category:

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• Coronavirus
• Coronavirus Local
• Human Interest
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Coronavirus,covid-19,cumberland county