KENANSVILLE, NC (WITN) – An Eastern Carolina animal shelter has been fined by state regulators for multiple violations.

Department of Agriculture investigators said they found numerous problems at the Duplin County Animal Shelter and imposed a $1,000 fine.

On July 18, inspectors reported finding no shade in the shelter’s outdoor exercise areas, despite being assured on April 1 that “shade cloths would be installed later that same day.”

According to the report, kittens showing signs of contagious disease were housed in four kennels in the general living area.

Despite written policies, inspectors said they found that 17 animals were not vaccinated when they arrived at the shelter. They also discovered additional animals that had not been vaccinated within 14 days.

The large wound on one dog went unnoticed by shelter staff, but was discovered by rescue workers more than a month later when the dog was handed over to them, the report said.

The state accused the shelter of failing to provide adequate sun protection, failing to separate animals with contagious diseases, failing to follow the shelter’s veterinary care program, failing to monitor the animals daily, and failing to vaccinate several cats against rabies.

Duplin County has 60 days to pay the fine or appeal. WITN reached out to Duplin County Manager Bryan Miller, but we have not yet heard back from him.

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