News Summary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control (ACC) reports a spike in lost pets due to Fourth of July fireworks, leading to maximum shelter capacity. As of July 4, there are no open kennels available. The ACC emphasizes the importance of microchipping, having reunited two pets since the fireworks began. Operational changes and funding efforts are in place to improve shelter care and achieve a 90% no-kill rate. Pet owners are urged to prioritize pet safety during the summer months, especially during loud festivities.
Charlotte – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control (ACC) has reached maximum capacity following an avalanche of lost pets resulting from Fourth of July fireworks. As of Friday, July 4, ACC is reporting that they have zero open kennels available to accommodate new animals, highlighting the annual spike in lost pets during the holiday season.
Since the fireworks began, the shelter has successfully reunited two pets with their owners through updated microchip information. This success underscores the importance of microchipping, as lost pets are often brought to shelters after escaping from home during loud festivities.
ACC, located at 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte, NC, opens for business at 9 a.m. and faces daily challenges in accommodating the influx of new animals. The situation is particularly dire during the summer months when factors such as heat exposure and noise from fireworks and thunderstorms can lead to increased numbers of lost pets.
Operational Changes and Improvement Efforts
As part of a significant shift in operations, starting July 1, ACC will no longer operate under the oversight of the police department. This change was initiated in response to requests from animal advocates who hope to improve the shelter’s volunteer program and overall animal care.
The goal of the ACC is to achieve a 90% no-kill rate, and to aid in this effort, city council members have agreed to fund a new $30 million satellite facility dedicated to adoptions. This facility will be located near the Jeff Adams Tennis Center off South Tryon Street, with details regarding its size and timeline for completion still in the planning phase.
Pet Care During Summer
As the summer heats up, pet owners in Charlotte are reminded about the specific dangers their pets face, especially from fireworks and thunderstorms. It is strongly advised not to leave pets in parked cars, as temperatures can rise quickly, posing serious risks to their health. Walking pets during the cooler parts of the day can help mitigate heat-related issues.
Another significant concern is the potential damage to pets’ paws from hot pavement, which can cause painful burns. Pet owners are encouraged to avoid walking their animals on these surfaces during peak heat hours to prevent injuries.
Keeping pets indoors during extreme temperatures is crucial, as failure to do so may lead to potential animal abuse charges. Identifying signs of heat stress in pets is essential; symptoms include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, staggering, and a deep red or purple tongue. If a pet shows any signs of heat exhaustion, it is critical to move them to a cooler area, apply cool water, and seek veterinary assistance promptly.
The Impact of Fireworks on Pets
Statistics reveal that nearly 20% of lost pets typically go missing after being frightened by loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms. To combat this issue, pet owners are urged to keep their pets indoors in a cool, quiet space during such events to minimize stress and prevent them from escaping.
All ACC vehicles are equipped with microchip scanners, which enhance the shelter’s ability to return lost pets to their owners efficiently. As the community grapples with this seasonal surge of lost animals, ACC’s emphasis on microchipping and the importance of pet safety during fireworks season remains vital in ensuring the well-being of pets in Charlotte.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control Max Capacity Following 4th of July
- QC News: Changes Coming to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control
- WSOC TV: How to Protect Your Pets During Extreme Heat
- WCCB Charlotte: Local Animal Advocates Ask Charlotte Leaders for Help with Animal Care Control
- WBTV: Charlotte Animal Care Control Holding Fee-Waived Adoption Event Amid Capacity Crisis
- Wikipedia: Pet Care
- Google Search: Animal Shelter Operations
- Google Scholar: Animal Care and Control
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pet
- Google News: Lost Pets
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
