03-03-2025
Forsyth County Animal Shelter facing fine after allegations of animal neglect
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — A Triad-area animal shelter is facing a fine after documents allege neglectful treatment of animals in their care.
According to a letter dated Feb. 26, the Veterinary Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services hit the Forsyth County Animal Shelter with a civil penalty that the shelter must pay $8,400 or appeal within 60 days.
Guilford County Animal Services partners with Department of Social Services to help pet owners
The fine stems from a Feb. 3 complaint that claimed the shelter failed to provide adequate veterinary care to multiple dogs, including one that had been hit by a car and had multiple broken bones. That dog was later found dead in its kennel.
The state opened an investigation, visiting the shelter on Feb. 4, 5 and 6 to investigate the allegations.
Officials reported multiple violations: failure to maintain records, failure to make records available to the state, failure to isolate sick animals and failure to provide vet care to animals that needed it, including the dog who was found dead and a kitten that had to be euthanized. The shelter is also accused of having non-veterinarians provide prescription medication to animals, administer vaccinations and insert microchips.
'The Shelter Director relayed she was aware that she and the shelter staff were not licensed and knew that only licensed veterinarians could perform these services on animals owned by the public,' according to the documents from NCDACS.
In a statement, the county said, 'Forsyth County was made aware of the Notice of Violation and Civil Penalties last week. Upon receiving the document, County leadership had an in-person meeting with the North Carolina Director of Animal Welfare to review all findings in great detail. County leadership ensured the State that we are dedicated to complying with the N.C. Animal Welfare Act and will take immediate action to address the violations found in the report. County staff will work closely with the Department of Agriculture's Animal Welfare Section to implement standard procedures that guarantee compliance going forward.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
