The Roanoke Rapids Police Department has one Animal Control Officer.  His primary duty is to respond to animal complaints inside the city limits of Roanoke Rapids.  Animal Control deals primarily with domestic animals such as cats and dogs.  Wild animals such as snakes, birds, squirrels, bats, opossums, etc. are treated differently and Animal Control may not be able to assist you with those.  We do not operate a shelter.  Animals picked up are transported to the Halifax County Animal Shelter (252-583-1050, Health Department 252-583-6651).  Animal Control can be contacted Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm through Halifax Central Communications 911 for emergency, for non-emergency 252-583-1991 or at the Roanoke Rapids Police Department 252-533-2810.  

In the event that an animal owner wants to surrender a cat or dog, contact the Animal Control Officer to arrange pick up before 1 pm, Monday through Friday.  Owner must be present to sign a release.

Below are just a few excerpts from our City ordinances with regard to animals inside the City of Roanoke Rapids:

91.09     The City of Roanoke Rapids is Bird Sanctuary and it is illegal to kill birds inside of the city limits.
91.10     The keeping of swine is prohibited.
91.11     Keeping of Certain Animals Regulated

It is unlawful to keep, maintain and house or allow upon premises, whether premise is owned or leased from another, cows, horses, mules, chickens, bees or other non-domesticated animals unless activity was in operation prior to 1975.

91.26     Proper Care of Animals - Penalty fine of $500

All pets are to be provided with:

NOTE:  Stray dogs and cats are defined as wandering at large or lost and do not have an identifiable owner or a dog or cat whose owner fails to have the animal vaccinated against rabies.   

91.02 Animals Running at Large

This ordinance provides that any animal allowed to run at large may be seized, impounded, humanely put to death or released to a recognized animal rescue organization after reasonable efforts are made to notify the owner.  Penalty fine of $150

91.21 Keeping Stray Dogs and Cats

It is unlawful to knowingly and intentionally harbor, feed, keep in possession by confinement or otherwise, any dog or cat not belonging to the individual unless he has, within 24 hours from the time such dog or cat came into his possession notified the Animal Control Officer. Penalty fine of $150

91.20 A/B Dogs Must Wear Rabies Tag and Identification Tag

91.22 Prohibition Against Tethering of Dogs

It is unlawful to tether an unattended dog outside of the home.  When on the property of the dog owner, dogs may run loose when attended by a responsible person who can control the dog either by voice commands or by leash.  Likewise, when on the property of the dog owner dogs may run unattended if kept in a secure area including a fenced in area or within an area surrounded by an electronic fence, or when kept in any other structure of sufficient strength and height to prevent the dog from escaping. Penalty  fine of $500

91.12 Animals Prohibited at Festivals, Parades and Events

Simply put, it is unlawful to have animals at parades, festivals, demonstrations on public property or rights-of-way, summer concert series and all sporting events, recreational and cultural events held on or in city facilities.  It is important to note that whether on a leash or not, it is illegal to take animals onto public property or public rights-of-way.  There are exceptions to this for service animals such as seeing eye dogs and for animals involved in the event such as horses in the Christmas Parade. Penalty fine of $500

91.25     Permit for Three or More Dogs or Cats Kept Outside

It is unlawful to own, keep custody of or take custody of three or more dogs or cats or a combination of three dogs or cats or more, four months of age or older which are frequently outside the premises unless owner has a special permit issued by the Animal Control Officer.   There are some special finding associated with this ordinance.  I encourage you to contact the Animal Control Officer at 252-533-2810 for more details if you need a permit for additional animals. Penalty Fine of $500

The Records Division of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department is responsible for managing the records and documents of the department. These records include Incident Reports (reports of theft, breaking and enterings, damage to property, fraud, etc.), Motor Vehicle Collision reports, Alarm Registrations, City Ordinance Citations, etc. The Records Division is located inside the front lobby of the J. Reuben Daniel City Hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue. The hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday. The phone number is (252) 533-2810.

The Records Division can provide upon request copies of Incident Reports and Motor Vehicle Collision reports for a nominal fee of six dollars ($6). Reports are generally available within 48 hours of the officer taking the report. Motor Vehicle Collision reports can be purchased at the Police Department or online at http://www.policereports.us. Payments on City Ordinance Violations can be made at the Records office. If you need fingerprint cards completed for license or criminal background on applications, the Records Division charges ten dollars ($10). Alarm registrations are free at the Records office. All payments must be cash, personal checks or money orders. No debit or credit cards accepted.

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department Records Division is not the Halifax Emergency 911 Central Communications Center. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1 to get police assistance. For non-emergency calls, you can call dispatch at (252) 583-2488. If you would like to contact Crime Stoppers to report at tip, call (252) 583-4444.