Forsyth County fined by state for animal shelter violations

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture is alleging the Forsyth County Animal Shelter violated multiple state laws.

An investigation by the department’s Animal Welfare Section began after a complaint alleged a dog at the shelter did not receive proper medical care. Inspectors visited the shelter three times and found 26 violations, including inadequate care and poor record-keeping.

One violation involved a dog that was impounded after being hit by a car.  The animal was sedated, taken to a clinic where shelter staff refused to perform surgery, then brought back to the shelter for more medicine.

The state alleges that while records show the dog was given another pain killer, shelter staff said she was actually too sedated to swallow a pill. The dog was found dead in its cage the next day. 

State officials also found instances of dogs without water, missing onboarding records for some animals, and failures to quarantine sick dogs. The county is facing an $8,400 fine.

In a press release, a Forsyth County spokesperson said staff will work with the state to ensure compliance with the North Carolina Animal Welfare Act.