Rowan County Manager

The dogs & cats are shut out all day, in the outside runs. It doesn't
matter how hot, or cold, or what the weather is. Complaints have been made to the NC Dept. of Agric., but nothing is done. They claim the animals have shelter because a roof is over their head. They have nowhere to escape from the elements. I've seen excessive shivering, panting, and scratchng to get through the
guillotine doors to the other side. Puppies, kittens, senior, sick, & owner surrender accustomed to being inside. The inspection in December claimed the animals are allowed access to outdoor runs from 11:00-16:00 hours, they are not allowed, they don't have a choice. On the other side of the guillotine doors, warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer, an escape from adverse weather conditions. The inspection also says the kennel floors have a radiant subfloor heating system. I took temperatures of the floor this past winter, it must not have been working. The temperatures are now in the high 90's, with high humidity. The animals show signs of distress. Their reason is for cleaning purposes. These animal are being forced to live under inhumane conditions, with the temperatures falling well below 50 degrees and well above 85. No resting surface or houses to escape. Please investigate for the animals. It's bad enough they probably want have another day to run or play. Let alone spending their last days in these conditions when all that has to be done is open the guillotine doors. Let the public view the animals from the inside runs, an improvement for both. Most shelter do it that way. The picture was taken on a
cold windy day. You can see little puppies in the upper right corner huddled together to stay warm. Every day, it is the say way, no matter what the weather. This is nothing less than animal cruelty by the Rowan County Animal Control.