FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. -- At least one North Carolina county is seeing a dramatic increase in animal bites this month.

Captain of Forsyth County Animal Services Van Loveland says, so far the month, the number of animal bites is already up more than 50 percent from May of 2019.

Loveland says they were seeing about four bites per day for the first 13 days in May, he emphasizes that this is alarming.

He said animals are biting owners and family members.

"Sometimes these bites are happening because their animals just aren't having their free time to relax like they would if people were at work and kids were in school," he explains.

Loveland emphasizes that it is important for dog and cat owners to watch young children around their pets and to be sure pets also get enough time to rest.

He said a bite or even a scratch can have serious consequences like rabies, so it's also critical for all pets to be up to date on their vaccinations.