Animal Welfare

Animal shelters adapt and adjust to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions across the state for many. When your operation relies on a steady supply of volunteers and community outreach, the shut down of services can be especially hard. Animal shelters across the state have shut their doors to visitors, but they are working in unique ways to still serve the […]

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Spay/Neuter Program encourages responsible pet ownership

Some of the best things that owning a dog or a cat can bring include unconditional love and companionship. But pets also bring their share of expenses, including food, vaccinations and, of course, the cost of spaying or neutering. The NCDA&CS Animal Welfare Section helps encourage responsible pet ownership by offering a spay and neuter […]

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News Roundup: Dec. 20 – Jan. 2

 Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. Click on the links to go straight to the full story. “Christmas tree farms a gift for beneficial bugs,” Hendersonville Times-News: Sweat bees, like this one on a black-eyed Susan, […]

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News Roundup: April 14-20

Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. Click on the links to go straight to the full story. “Pavilion gets official touch,” Lumberton Robesonian: Steve Troxler, the state commissioner of agriculture, envisions great things happening at the […]

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Faces in the Field: Shelley Swaim, Animal Welfare Inspector

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Animal Welfare Section has come a long way in the six years since it was established. The section is responsible for inspecting and regulating animal shelters, boarding facilities and pet shops across the state. Five inspectors cover all 100 counties, and each facility is inspected at least […]

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Shannon Joyner named January Employee of the Month

Shannon Joyner, an administrative assistant in the NCDA&CS’ Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, was recently named the January 2011 Employee of the Month. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recognized her for her contribution to the department during a ceremony in Raleigh Monday. Joyner has been with the department for nearly six years and is instrumental […]

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Field Trip: Tagging along on a boarding kennel inspection

Earlier this spring, we had the opportunity to take a Field Trip to find out what an animal welfare inspector looks for when inspecting a boarding kennel. In the video, animal welfare inspector Joe Blomquist takes us on a tour and gives an overview of what inspectors look for at facilities under NCDA&CS jurisdiction. Animal […]

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