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The State of North Carolina, recognizing the value of dogs, in 1989 named the Plott hound as its official state dog. The Plott hound is one of the very few breeds created in the United States. It originated in the mountains of North Carolina.
Thirteen years ago, enlightened officials in New Hanover County enacted a humane anti-tethering ordinance. In 2008, both the town of Clayton and Durham County recognized the negative impact of chaining/tethering dogs and passed their own anti-tethering ordinances.
The Durham County ordinance will not take effect until January 1, 2010. For the first six months after that, animal control officers will issue warnings. After July 1, 2010, violators will be subject to fines. The Clayton ordinance is already in effect.
Orange County has also been discussing an anti-tethering proposal.
Above and beyond their place as family companions and in traditional service occupations, dogs in North Carolina serve in an ever-widening spectrum of therapeutic roles. The physical and emotional benefits to humans that come from relationships with dogs are now recognized and utilized by psychiatric facilities, assisted living centers, hospitals, schools and even prisons.
Today, dogs contribute more to the welfare of individuals and society than perhaps any other time in the history of the human-dog bond. Additionally, over the past three decades, increased awareness of the importance of humane care and control of dogs, the enactment and enforcement of leash laws, and dog bite prevention education, have all been instrumental in drastically lowering the number of reported dog-related injuries nationwide.
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* Owned by Lyn Buck, River brought joy and smiles to many Wake County children. This gentle American Foxhound is missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
National Canine Research Council