Animal Control is important in Tyrrell County.

The local office located at 248 Smith Ln in Columbia stays active.

Cecil Lilley, Animal Control Officer in Tyrrell County, gave a presentation recently at the Tyrrell County Post Office on animal safety.

“Several Post Office Workers had been having problems with animals bothering them before they went into people’s homes,” said Lilley

One Post Office Worker described a situation they encountered on one of their routes.

“The owner’s mother in law was there with her dog. He was quarantined in the garage. His bark got different as I got closer to the door.The dog that was in the yard recognized  something must not be right. Then he came on right through the gate,” explained the worker.

Lilley mentioned a solution.

“Turn sideways. It is real easy. If you are walking sideways and that is all the dog sees that will help,” said Lilley.

Another post office worker mentioned carrying a package in a certain way so dogs will be intimidated.

“They will be scared of whatever it is that you are moving,” said the worker.

Lilley mentioned other solutions for keeping dogs away like carrying mace and throwing treats underhanded.

Lilley left his phone number at the post office in case anyone else had any other problems.

The Animal Control Office in Tyrrell County also handles rabies complaints.

“I contact the Martin-Tyrrell-Washington District Health Department as well as people locally. I let her know by email what happened. I describe things like what happened, who got bit, how serious it was, and what steps I have taken to fix the problem,” said Lilley.

Stray pets are available for anyone interested.

“It has been kind of slow lately, but right now there are four available. They could be adopted out right now. I will keep them as long as there is space. There are seven spaces available in the shelter right now,” said Lilley in a Dec 20 interview.

Lilley mentioned information regarding NC State Laws that have been incorporated into county ordinances.

“This is important for people to know locally,” said Lilley.

The information is below:
GS 130A-185.  Vaccination required.

1. Vaccination required. – The owner of an animal listed in this subsection over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies:

1. Cat

2. Dog

3. Ferret

SS130A-192. Dogs and cats not wearing required rabies vaccination tags.

1. The Animal Control Officer shall canvass the county to determine if there are any animals not wearing the required rabies vaccination tag. If an animal required to wear a tag is found not wearing one, the Animal Control Officer shall check to see if the owner’s identification can be found on the animal. If the animal is wearing an owner identification tag with information enabling the owner of the animal to be contacted, or if the Animal Control Officer otherwise knows who the owner is, the Animal Control Officer shall notify the owner in writing to have the animal vaccinated against rabies and to produce the required rabies vaccination certificate to the Animal Control Officer within three days of the notification. If the animal is not wearing an owner identification tag and the Animal Control Officer does not otherwise know who the owner is, the Animal Control Officer may impound the animal.