Questions and answers of general interest and consumer topics.
Q: If you have a wild animal near your home that may be rabid, who do you call besides Animal Control? There was a wild fox near my door making strange noises. We called 911 and then Animal Control. They said if the animal was not in a cage, they would not check it out. The fox did run off and later returned. There was no need to call Animal Control, so we did not bother it. What does Animal control do? — M.B., Fayetteville
A: According to the Cumberland County website, the Animal Control Department “enforces all state and local laws pertaining to the ownership, regulation and control of dogs, cats, and other animals within the county.”
The site goes on to say, however, that the department is responsible for picking up stray animals, livestock, exotic animals as well as “wildlife that poses a threat to health and safety and rabid animals.”
Dr. John Lauby, director of Cumberland County Animal Control, said the department only responds to wild animal calls when the animals are in houses or if the wild animal is a threat toward our citizens, or sick or injured.
If another wild animal approaches your house, you might want to contact the state Wildlife Resources Commission. Its website is ncwildlife.org. The phone number is 866-318-2401.
Steve DeVane
Live Wire seeks to answer questions of general interest and consumer topics. Initials are used to identify questioners when names are given. Contact Live Wire at livewire@fayobserver.com or at 486-3516.