More than 6.5 million animals entered shelters or rescues in 2023, according to Animal Shelters Count. That was a slight increase compared to 2022. The surge in abandoned and surrendered animals has created a rough couple of years for shelters. Wake County was forced to stop pet surrenders for several weeks. Other shelters, like Cumberland County, waived adoption fees to make room for new animals. WRAL Investigates found more shelters are struggling to provide proper care and they’re getting called out for it.
Since the start of 2023, 13 taxpayer-run shelters or their employees in North Carolina have been fined or warned. That’s more than total fines and warnings issued the previous four years, when counties were punished 10 times.
The State Department of Agriculture provided photos of several recent inspections that led to fines. They showed animals in filthy living conditions, injured dogs and cats and shelters in disrepair.
Robeson County, south of Fayetteville, incurred the biggest fine at nearly $14,000. Inspector notes say two employees, including the director himself, euthanized more than 1,000 animals even though their euthanization certificates were expired. The report also notes each man euthanized six animals prior to the 72-hour holding period with no supporting documents as to why the animal needed to be put down, like an injury or illness.
Robeson County reached a settlement agreement which lowered its fine. The employees each paid their fines, according to the department officials.
Just to the west, Montgomery County’s shelter was fined more than $4,000 for failing to get timely medical care for three dogs; one with a broke leg, one with a fractured or dislocated hip and a third known to have a long-standing injury.
Full Story: https://www.wral.com/story/dead-animals-broken-legs-and-lack-of-vet-care-wral-investigates-taxpayer-run-animal-shelters/21305348/
Subscribe to WRAL:
https://youtube.com/c/wral5
News Tips:
Online – https://www.wral.com/report-it/
Email – assignmentdesk@wral.com
Follow WRAL:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/WRALTV
X: https://twitter.com/WRAL
IG: https://instagram.com/wral
About WRAL-TV:
WRAL is your Raleigh, North Carolina news source. Check out our videos for the latest news in Raleigh, local sports, Raleigh weather, and more at https://WRAL.com
#localnews #northcarolina #animals
source
Vets are money hungry. They train their staff to be the same way. They aren’t all that way- but a vast majority of them are. They are also notorious for manufacturing reasons for unnecessary procedures treatment and medications. And if the cost of animals essential needs is so high- blame the one in charge of inflation.
People aren't allowed to have their pets in an apartment. Many Americans became homeless due to trippling costs they would rather put their pup in a shelter, for someone else to love.
They really never expect harm to come to that pet. 😢