As a volunteer board member of the Cumberland County Animal Services (CCAS), I have witnessed firsthand the critical role this department plays in our community. Every day, the staff strives to provide compassionate care, shelter, and protection to countless animals, ensuring their well-being and offering them a chance for a better life. However, the growing demand for services has far outpaced the resources currently available to CCAS.

Cumberland County Animal Services is a lifeline for animals in distress and a cornerstone for public safety and community welfare. This is a team of passionate and skilled professionals who work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals, while also addressing issues such as animal cruelty and neglect. Despite their efforts and commitment, the department is facing manpower and resource constraints. These constraints limit CCAS’ ability to respond to the public in a timely and effective manner. 

Animal services are not just about safeguarding animals; it's about maintaining a humane and safe environment for all residents of Cumberland County.  To better serve the community, we are asking the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners to:

1. Begin immediate construction of an isolation building which was approved for fiscal year 2025. This measure will reduce euthanization rates and will also prevent the spread of infectious diseases.  

2. Provide manpower and resources to enforce state law and county ordinances regarding animal control and care.   A task force consisting of animal services personnel, county and city law enforcement to address issues within our country is a good start.  Without enforcement, we may as well have no laws or codes.  

3. Combat staffing shortages by increasing Animal Services Officers (ASO) pay to meet, at a minimum, the annual pay of code enforcement officers.  The pay disparity that exists between our county Code Enforcement Officers and Animal Services Officers is significant (approximately $4,200 per year), despite the fact that the ASO job is more dangerous, more demanding physically and mentally, and offers a much less desirable schedule (weekends, holidays, on-call nights, work during emergencies or adverse weather).  These hard working men and women deserve far more.  We cannot recruit and retain qualified, motivated and competent personnel unless we compensate them appropriately.  

4. Hire customer service staff to respond to the public in a timely manner. 

5. Provide resources to increase public education and awareness.

I urge the local government, stakeholders, and compassionate citizens of Cumberland County to join us in this crucial mission. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of countless animals and by extension, enrich our community. Please sign this petition to advocate for securing the necessary funds to help Cumberland County Animal Services continue and expand their noble work to safeguard animals and serve our community effectively.

Please reach out to the Cumberland Country Board of Commissioners and urge them to implement the measures outlined in this petition.  

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners 

Mr. Kirk deViere (Chairman)
Ms. Veronica B. Jones (Vice Chairwoman)
Mr. Glenn Adams
Dr. Jeanette M. Council
Mr. W. Marshall Faircloth
Mr. Pavan Patel
Mr. Henry Tyson
PO Box 1829

Fayetteville, NC 28302-1829

web.commissioners@cumberlandcountync.gov

(910) 678-7770

https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/commissioners-group/commissioners/commissioners