Local animal advocates ask Charlotte leaders, again, for help with Animal Care & Control

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Animal advocates in Charlotte made a plea to Charlotte City Council Monday night. They want leaders to approve a shelter expansion project for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control. And, they want animal control to no longer be tied to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. They say they do not have enough space to keep up with Charlotte’s homeless pet needs. And, they need to function as a stand alone department for improved efficiency.

One speaker said, “City workers are exhausted, volunteers are demoralized, and healthy and loving pets are dying because we cannot keep up.” Another said, “Tonight, I urge you to prioritize animal welfare in this budget cycle.” And a third said, “ACC (Animal Care & Control) desperately needs the additional space that the shelter expansion project would provide. The staff also need the ability to manage its resources, make fast decisions, and tailor solutions specifically for the animals and the people who care for them. And that cannot fully happen while tied to CMPD.”

They say so far this year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control shelter has been under an emergency space shortage more than 13 times.