The Wake County, North Carolina Ordinance Regulating the Keeping and Control of Dogs and Cats provides detailed guidelines for responsible pet ownership and aims to control and suppress the spread of rabies. This ordinance encompasses several provisions and different types of regulations, each serving a specific purpose in the management of dogs and cats within Wake County. 1. Licensing and Vaccination Requirements: One type of regulation within the Wake County ordinance mandates that all dogs and cats over a certain age must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. This requirement ensures that pets are protected against the deadly disease and helps authorities control its transmission. Pet owners are legally obligated to provide proof of current rabies vaccines and obtain a license from the appropriate authorities. 2. Leash and Restraint Laws: Another aspect of the Wake County ordinance focuses on leash and restraint laws. It stipulates that dogs and cats must be kept under control on public property or when off their owner's private property. This prevents incidents such as attacks, nuisance behavior, and the potential transmission of diseases. Regulations may include specific leash length requirements, restrictions on tethering, and guidelines for the use of enclosed areas. 3. Responsible Pet Ownership Requirements: The ordinance includes provisions related to responsible pet ownership. These regulations aim to ensure animals receive proper care and attention, minimizing the risk of the spread of diseases like rabies. It may include requirements such as providing proper shelter, food, and water; preventing pet overpopulation through spaying/neutering; and maintaining a clean and safe environment. 4. Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Dogs: A separate section of the Wake County ordinance deals with the regulation of dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. Specific criteria are established to identify these animals, and they may be subject to additional restrictions and licensing requirements, such as mandatory liability insurance and special containment measures. These provisions aim to minimize the risks posed by aggressive dogs while still recognizing responsible dog ownership. 5. Complaints and Enforcement: The ordinance also outlines procedures for handling complaints and enforcing its regulations. It defines the roles and responsibilities of animal control officers, specifies the process for reporting infractions, and outlines potential penalties for non-compliance. Such enforcement mechanisms are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the regulations established within the ordinance. The Wake County, North Carolina Ordinance Regulating the Keeping and Control of Dogs and Cats Providing for the Control and Suppression of Rabies serves as a comprehensive framework for responsible pet ownership and the prevention of rabies transmission within the county. By establishing licensing requirements, leash and restraint laws, responsible ownership provisions, regulations for dangerous dogs, and introducing a system for complaint handling and enforcement, this ordinance enables the local authorities to effectively manage the health and safety of both pets and the community.