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GASTONIA, N.C. – Gaston County Animal Control officers are going door-to-door making sure people are obeying county and state pet laws and fining those who aren’t on Tuesday. Officers hope it will cut down on the high volume of animal-related complaints coming into the office.

Officers say they received about 250 or so calls regarding animals in a two-month period in one ten-block radius just off of West Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia. Tuesday, they spent time telling residents about the animal control laws, such as the fact that all dogs and cats over 4-months-old must have their rabies vaccine. Officers were also discussing the leash laws and the fact that owners must have purchased and displayed a county license tag for both dogs and cats.

The average animal-related call per officer per year is more than 2,000 in Gaston County, which is more than double that of many other counties. Their recent efforts are made in hopes of cutting that number down.

“We’re looking to enforce the laws; also we’re looking to educate the public if people don’t know what the animal control laws are,” said Sgt. James Phil of Gaston County Animal Control. “We’re looking to educate them so they will come into compliance.”

The officers are also educating about fines. Violating leash law or laws regarding the pet licenses is a $25 fine for each. Not having a rabies vaccine can cost $60.