On April 1st, 2025, I lost my beloved 11-month-old cat to a pack of stray dogs that roam our area in Columbus County, NC. Many neighbors have been burdened by these same dogs, and other stray animals. Despite multiple calls to animal control, the issue persists.

Research reveals that animal control facilities in rural communities like ours are often severely underfunded and understaffed. This lack of resources makes it challenging to enforce animal control laws and address stray animal issues effectively. Moreover, the availability of affordable spay and neuter services is limited, exacerbating the overpopulation problem. By providing more accessible spay and neuter programs, we can prevent unwanted litters and decrease the stray population.

Ensuring adequate funding and staffing for animal control facilities is crucial for public safety and the well-being of our pets. With proper support, we can reduce the number of stray animals and create a safer community. This issue is not only limited to Columbus County. I have reached out to many government officials regarding this matter. Your support in signing this petition would be extremely helpful in my fight to convince our government officials to allocate funds to animal control facilities and spay/neuter clinics across the state.

Join us in advocating for better funding and resources for animal control in Columbus County and other rural counties across North Carolina. Sign this petition and share with neighbors or anyone passionate about animal advocacy to demand action and make our communities safer for everyone.