We, the undersigned, respectfully call upon the Duplin County Board of Commissioners, Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes, and Assistant County Manager Carrie Shields to initiate a full investigation and take corrective action regarding the operation, governance, and ordinance structures tied to Duplin County Animal Services (DCAS). Serious concerns have been raised regarding:

• improper euthanasia practices
• inhumane and neglectful treatment of animals
• failure to provide appropriate veterinary care
• unprofessional internal conduct refusal to work collaboratively with vetted rescues and animal advocates
• exclusion of qualified volunteers and community partners
• racially discriminatory attitudes and bias displayed by individuals involved in advising policy
• the use of discriminatory influence in shaping the current Duplin County Animal Ordinance
• lack of transparency and accountability
• retaliation against whistleblowers and those raising concerns

These issues point to systemic problems that require direct corrective action by county leadership. We ask that the Commissioners:

• Initiate an independent review of DCAS operations and leadership
• Examine the development process of the current Animal Ordinance
• Investigate whether racial bias, discrimination, or exclusion influenced ordinance language or enforcement
• Evaluate all supervisory and management positions tied to DCAS and the Animal Advisory Board
• Review euthanasia records, veterinary practices, and overall animal handling
• Require fair collaboration with rescues, fosters, and community partners
• Establish transparent oversight, complaint reporting, and public accountability
• Remove any employees or board members found responsible for misconduct or discriminatory practices

The authority to implement change lies squarely with Duplin County’s governing body, and we are asking for that leadership and accountability. Duplin County Animal Services is publicly funded and must reflect the values of the community it serves. A county ordinance that may have been influenced by racial bias or exclusionary intentions is unacceptable in any context — particularly one determining life-or-death policies for animals and standards of public participation.

The citizens expect:

• humane treatment of animals
• ethical leadership
• nondiscriminatory policy formation
• equal consideration of ALL community members
• transparency
• collaboration

This is not about attacking individuals personally. This is about ensuring:

• unbiased governance
• ethical procedures
• nondiscriminatory policy development
• humane sheltering practices
• equal community voice in animal welfare policy

We urge Duplin County’s governing officials to: take these concerns seriously, investigate impartially, correct policies influenced by discrimination, ensure that humane standards are enforced, and establish a culture of respect, fairness, and accountability. The animals, the citizens, and the integrity of county government deserve a system free from prejudice, secrecy, and neglect.

You can also email the decision makers!  Contact:

Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes lisa.hughes@duplinnc.gov

Assistant County Manager Carrie Shields carrie.shields@duplinnc.gov 

Wayne Branch wayne.branch@duplinnc.gov

Jesse Dowe III jesse.dowe@duplinnc.gov

Justin Edwards justin.edwards@duplinnc.gov

Dexter Edwards (Chair) dexter.edwards@duplinnc.gov

Elwood Garner (Vice Chair) elwood.garner@duplinnc.gov