42 dogs improperly euthanized at animal shelter, state says
By WRAL News staff
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HARNETT COUNTY, North Carolina (WRAL) — The Harnett County Animal Services Animal shelter was fined nearly $20,000 after veterinarians were accused of using inhumane euthanasia techniques.
The fine comes after county officials said staff did not comply with the state-required procedures and documentation standards in dozens of animal euthanasias.
According to a notice from the Animal Welfare Section of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, inspectors say they found the shelter using Intracardiac (IC) injections to euthanize dogs.
Inspectors found that 42 dogs euthanized from March 25, 2026 to April 29, 2026 were euthanized by IC injection.
Inspectors said during their visit, veterinarians and the shelter director were reminded that there were restrictions involved when using IC injections and that they were required to be documented when the method was used.
When the inspector asked for written statements from the veterinary staff that used the IC injections, documents noted that the records did not include the “required justification” for using the injections.
The notice also noted that the shelter director requested that inspectors show him where in the NC AWA rules it said that this information was required.
He later asked if the staff were able to preemptively write a note saying that the “dogs’ blood pressures were too low” so that they did not have to document it on individual animals. Documents say he also argued the IC injections were safer since the veterinary staff was less likely to poke themselves with the needle.
Inspectors pointed out that had the dogs been under general anesthesia or unconscious from injury/illness, which is required for an IC injection to be used, then the dogs would not be moving.
Harnett County officials released a statement following Tuesday’s notice.
“Harnett County is committed to the utmost importance of ensuring humane treatment and care in all animals within our possession,” the statement read in part.
Officials said no euthanasia will be performed by county staff until all staff are retrained.
According to the notice from officials, Harnett County Animal Services has 60 days to pay the fine, file a petition to contest the case, or initiate an informal settlement.
Euthanasia at animal shelters is too common in North Carolina, especially in rural shelters. Thousands of healthy dogs and cats are killed at shelters in the state each year when resources are exhausted because there is not enough room for all the animals.
To reduce shelter crowding, anyone looking for a new pet can choose to adopt from a rescue or shelter when possible.
Pet owners can spay and neuter their pets and keep them leashed or in fences while outdoors. Surrendering a pet should be a last resort. Before taking a pet to a shelter, reach out to friends, family and acquaintances to see if anyone can help.
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