How many days after written notice must an animal be deemed "abandoned"?

The correct answer is based on the laws and regulations governing the treatment of abandoned animals in North Carolina. According to these regulations, an animal must be deemed "abandoned" if it has not been claimed within 10 days of receiving written notice to the owner or custodian of the animal. This timeframe allows the owner an opportunity to retrieve their pet while establishing a formal process to handle situations involving abandonment. The 10-day period ensures that there is adequate time for the owner to take action while also protecting the welfare of the animal by preventing long waits that could lead to neglect or further issues.