Animal Enforcement

Animal Enforcement staff is active in rabies control, investigating animal cruelty complaints, enforcing animal laws and ordinances, and helping to solve citizen problems that involve domestic animals. Our authority to conduct our work is granted by North Carolina law and local ordinance. 

Professional knowledge, education and training; updated equipment; official uniforms; improved vehicles; and a new facility have all contributed to a more proficient Animal Control system to help serve Rowan county citizens.

Animal Enforcement Officer Responsibilities:

  • Enforcing all county and state laws pertaining to the welfare and control of animals
  • Nurturing the public trust by holding ourselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics
  • Investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty and neglect cases and leash law violations
  • Investigating potentially dangerous and/or rabid animals
  • Handling vicious animals
  • Assisting injured animals and stray dogs, cats, and livestock
  • Handling calls in all townships of Rowan County including the city of Salisbury

A major responsibility of an Animal Control Officer is to keep the public educated about a number of important issues. These include rabies and rabies control, the leash laws in Rowan county - it's purpose and why we enforce it, information about why pets need to be spayed/neutered and the proper care of animals.

Professional Associations

Animal Services is a member of a statewide organization known as the North Carolina Animal-Rabies Control Association. This association promotes a quality work environment and the professional development of its members through effective training and leadership.