About Us
History of Animal Control in Caldwell County
Companion animal overpopulation and related problems are not a new occurrence. Fifty years ago animal care and control wasn't the profession it is today. Few animal shelters were well funded and most of the country's "pounds" were nothing more than dilapidated structures.
With a major rabies outbreak in the dog and cat population in the mid 1950's and the death of a Cherokee County Woman caused by rabies in 1953, Caldwell County Officials employed Mr. Ransom Bean as Caldwell County's first Animal Control Officer. His official title was "Rabies Control Officer" and his duties were to use his own truck to pick up strays and other nuisance animals and investigate animal bites in Caldwell County. Mr. Bean used kennels that were once used by the Baton Beagle Club on his own property to kennel stray dogs and cats.
Mr. Bean worked closely with local veterinarian Dr. Donald Lackey. Dr. Lackey opened the first veterinarian hospital in Caldwell County at the corner of Virginia Street and Harper Avenue in Lenoir. It was an old warehouse owned by Walt Crisp. Mr. Bean named his business Lenoir Veterinarian Hospital. In the early 1950's Mr. Bean and Dr. Lackey would organize rabies clinics to vaccinate dogs at schools in Caldwell County. This was the beginning of the rabies clinics that are still held today at the Caldwell County Fairgrounds. Bob Tolbert and David Childers were later employed to assist Mr. Bean. Janice Wheeling was employed as the Animal Control Director and was essential in the building of the current Caldwell County Animal Shelter.
Today, the Caldwell County Animal Care and Control Shelter is staffed by eight full-time employees. These eight employees investigate hundreds of complaints, perform education programs, rabies investigations and care for more than 6,000 stray or unwanted animals surrendered to the animal shelter each year. Our titles may have changed over the years but our mission has stayed the same...
Mission Statement
Our mission is to protect the people and animals of Caldwell County through the promotion and enforcement of responsible pet ownership.
To accomplish this, Caldwell County Animal Care and Control's responsibilities are:
- To protect human life and health from animals and the threat of rabies;
- To protect the community from the annoyances and hazards that uncontrolled animals create;
- To protect animals from human ignorance, abuse and neglect; and
- To promote positive relationships within the communities of Caldwell County.
Vision
We envision the day when Caldwell County citizens will no longer be subjected to the dangers and nuisances from irresponsible pet ownership; our animals will no longer suffer from abuse or neglect and every pet born will be assured a home with a loving caring family.
We are committed to ensuring that quality animal control services are provided to you. We are dedicated to continue to protect Caldwell County’s animals and promote responsible pet ownership. We live in your communities and are your friends and neighbors. We are Caldwell County Animal Care & Control.
Location
Caldwell County Animal Care & Control
829 Fairview Drive SW1966-B Morganton Blvd. SW
Lenoir, NC 28645
(828) 757-8625
(828) 757-8687 Fax Visiting Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM