A state investigation found that 42 dogs were improperly euthanized at the Harnett County Animal Shelter, leading to nearly $20,000 in fines and the shelter’s manager being put on administrative leave.

Public Outcry

More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition demanding accountability and changes to how animal shelters operate in North Carolina. One supporter of the petition, Jane Tzilvelis, believes stronger action is needed, saying the shelter should be shut down.

The petition calls for the removal of the shelter’s director and tougher penalties for inhumane euthanasia practices. Many petition signers expressed outrage over the state’s findings, with one commenter writing that the animals deserve a painless death and that those responsible for the horrific deaths should be held accountable.

Harnett County Government leaders issued a statement addressing the state’s investigation, explaining that the findings were related to the lack of documentation process by staff and the choice of method, not the use of the procedure. However, this explanation has done little to ease concerns among animal advocates, who plan to continue gathering support and pushing for changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.