Haywood County Animal Services, in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Animal Welfare Section, recently responded to a concern regarding a private rescue operating in the county. 

Upon initial inspection of a facility known as ‘Barton’s Animal Rescue” located at 88 Harry Rogers Road in Canton, officials found more than 16 dogs and multiple cats on the property. State law requires that any organization housing more than nine animals and adopting them out to the public must be licensed with the state as an official animal shelter, which they are not. Animal Services staff educated the operators on these requirements, the need to maintain proper records, and the importance of ensuring animals receive adequate care and vaccinations.  

Following additional concerns, Animal Services conducted a follow-up visit. At that time, more animals had been taken in, yet the state had not received an application for official shelter licensing. During this visit, officers issued 16 citations for failure to provide rabies vaccinations and 16 citations for neglect, each citation carrying a $50 fine. Documentation and photographs were collected, and the Department of Agriculture was contacted for further guidance. 

With a search warrant, Animal Services returned to the property and took custody of 11 dogs. Six dogs were confirmed to be personal pets and remained with the owners. Animal Services voided 11 of the rabies-related and neglect citations once custody of those animals was successful. Additional penalties may be forthcoming for operating a shelter without a license. 

Animal Services will continue to monitor the situation and conduct a follow-up inspection in approximately one month to ensure the operators have applied for official shelter status with the state of North Carolina. 

“Our top priority is the health and safety of animals, as well as ensuring state and local laws are followed,” said Howard Martin, Director of Haywood County Animal Services. “We remain committed to working with state officials and community members to protect the welfare of animals in our county.” 

We appreciate members of the public who report concerns and help us protect animal in our community. Haywood County Animal Services will continue working with state and local partners to ensure animals in our community receive proper care. If you have information about this case or wish to report animal welfare concerns, please contact Haywood County Animal Services at (828) 456-5338.