In November 2025, Duplin County Animal Services completed a probationary period following previous violations of the North Carolina Animal Welfare Act. Just weeks later, another state investigation found multiple new violations, including:

• Failure to maintain proper euthanasia records
• Lack of clean drinking water and litter boxes in certain areas
• Discovery of a dead kitten and other animals not receiving proper care

These are not isolated issues. Local volunteers and rescue advocates have raised concerns for years about poor conditions, lack of transparency, and inadequate oversight at the county-run shelter in Kenansville.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture has now fined the shelter $1,700 for these latest violations. Yet fines alone will not fix systemic problems or rebuild public trust.

We are calling on the North Carolina Department of Agriculture to take immediate action by commissioning a full, independent audit of the shelter’s operations. This review should include:

• Inspection of current animal care practices and staffing levels
• Assessment of shelter leadership and training standards
• Review of all euthanasia protocols, medical documentation, and recordkeeping
• Transparent, public release of audit findings

Shelters exist to provide safety, not suffering. When basic needs like water, clean enclosures, and humane treatment are not met, it is a failure of the entire system. And when problems persist right after probation ends, it raises serious concerns about what is happening behind closed doors.

County officials have said they are reviewing shelter policies and have requested a settlement. That is not enough.

This is a moment for bold accountability and long-term reform.

We urge the North Carolina Department of Agriculture to launch an independent, third-party audit and publicly commit to making the results available to residents, taxpayers, and the rescue community.

The animals of Duplin County cannot speak for themselves. It is up to us to demand the humane, transparent care they deserve.

Please sign and share this petition if you believe Duplin County's animal shelter system needs serious change, starting with a full operational audit now.

Photo Credit: WITN