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FORSYTH COUNTY — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division reminds pet owners that allowing pets to roam free off their property is not only illegal but unsafe for your pets.

Recently, Animal Services has received an increased number of calls for service regarding dogs and cats running at-large. One of the best ways to keep your pets safe this holiday season is by not allowing them to roam at-large off your property. This helps ensure your pet’s safety and also keeps other community members safe.

Forsyth County Code (FCC) 6-13 specifies it is illegal to allow your dogs and cats to run at-large off your property within the county. Winston-Salem City Code (WSCC) 6-2 restricts dogs and cats from running at-large in the city. WSCC 6-17 prohibits dogs from being left alone outside unless inside an enclosure or other approved device. Residents should familiarize themselves with FCC Chapter 6 and WSCC Chapter 6 in their entirety for regulations regarding animals in Forsyth County and Winston-Salem, respectively.

The increased numbers in calls for service regarding dogs and cats roaming at-large has resulted in an influx of animals being taken in by officers. The Forsyth Humane Society is contracted to care for all dogs and cats, and their shelters are feeling the strain of additional intakes during this holiday season. All animals brought into the Humane Society as strays are listed at https://forsythhumane.org/stray-hold/. If you are available to foster or adopt, contact the Humane Society at www.forsythhumane.org or 336-955-1750. The Humane Society always welcomes monetary and supply donations, especially during this holiday season.

For other information regarding pet safety, wildlife in our area, and Forsyth County regulations, follow Forsyth County Animal Services @FCAnimalControl on Facebook, or go to https://forsyth.cc/sheriff/AnimalSer_Home.aspx. Check out the “Cold Weather Tips” for keeping pets safe during these colder months. Anyone with information related to this investigation – or any other criminal activity – should contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office directly at 336-727-2112; anonymously text information, photos, and video via Text-A-Tip at 336-920-8477; or anonymously call Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800 for English or 336-728-3904 for Spanish.