State Fines Multiple Eastern NC Animal Shelters for Serious Care Violations

Several animal shelters across Eastern North Carolina have been hit with thousands of dollars in civil penalties after state inspectors documented widespread violations of the North Carolina Animal Welfare Act, including failures in veterinary care, sanitation, and access to basic necessities like water.

The fines were issued by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) following formal complaints and on‑site inspections.

Greene County Animal Shelter — Fined $7,000

The Greene County Animal Shelter received a $7,000 civil penalty after a December 11 complaint alleged the shelter failed to provide veterinary care to an injured cat. A state inspection the next day uncovered multiple violations, including:

• Missing medication and treatment records

• Cats in 19 enclosures without continuous access to fresh water

• Failure to clean kennels properly

• Failure to follow the shelter’s own veterinary care plan

These findings were confirmed by NCDA&CS documents.

Duplin County Animal Services — Fined Again for 12 Violations

The Duplin County Animal Services Shelter in Kenansville was fined $1,700 after inspectors documented 12 separate violations, including:

• Improperly cleaned water bowls and litter boxes

• Dogs left outside overnight without shelter

• An enclosure containing two kittens, where one was found dead and the other drank water continuously for three minutes after water was finally provided

This inspection followed a complaint filed November 10 and marks another instance of repeated issues at the facility.

Elizabeth City SPCA (SPCA of Northeastern NC) — Nearly $15,000 in Fines & Suspension

The SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina in Elizabeth City was fined $14,750 after investigators documented numerous violations, including:

• Failure to provide timely veterinary care

• Poor medical recordkeeping

• Dozens of kennels lacking access to water

• Improper cleaning procedures

• Failure to separate sick animals from healthy ones

The violations were so extensive that the state issued a suspension order, effectively shutting down the shelter pending corrective action.

Bertie County Animal Shelter — Notice of Civil Penalty

State documents also show that the Bertie County Animal Shelter received a notice of civil penalty for violations, though details of the fine amount were not included in the initial summary.

What State Officials Say

According to NCDA&CS, these fines reflect “widespread failures to meet minimum standards” required under the Animal Welfare Act. Inspectors emphasized that shelters must maintain:

• Clean, sanitary housing

• Continuous access to water

• Accurate veterinary records

• Prompt medical care

• Proper separation of sick and healthy animals

  
  

Community Reaction

Animal advocates across Eastern NC are calling for:

• Increased oversight

• Better training for shelter staff

• More funding for rural shelters

• Transparency in inspection reports

  
  

Many say the fines highlight long‑standing issues that have gone unaddressed for years.