North Carolina’s Forgotten Dogs: Left to Suffer Without Change

From Vance County to rural shelters across the state, we’ve uncovered a pattern of overcrowding, unchecked euthanasia, and absent accountability. This isn’t mismanagement — it’s a statewide failure, and the animals are paying the price.

County by County, the Truth Comes Out

We’re exposing the worst shelter conditions in North Carolina, starting with the counties where suffering has been ignored for far too long.

Vance County, NC

In Vance County, the animal crisis is worsening behind closed doors. With just 44 kennels, the shelter is overwhelmed—often forced to double up dogs and turn others away. Euthanasia rates spiked to 34% in 2023, the highest in over a decade. Heartworm-positive dogs and those needing medical care face death, not treatment.

Despite years of outcry, nothing changes. There’s no robust adoption network, no meaningful cruelty enforcement, and no transparency for the public. Local rescues do what they can, but the system itself is failing—and leadership continues to look the other way.

The Evidence Is Clear

Inside Vance County

What We Found

Skyrocketing Euthanasia Rates
In 2023, Vance County’s intake surged to 590 dogs, and the euthanasia rate spiked to 34%, the highest in over 12 years—an increase of more than 200% from the prior year.
Overcrowded Shelters, No Relief
With just 44 kennels, the shelter is routinely full, often doubling up dogs in a single space. The facility struggles to manage the sustained flow of surrenders and strays.

Community Outrage. Government Silence.

Volunteers Struggle to Raise Awareness
Local rescue group Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society frequently posts dogs labeled “on death row” and conducts “rides to freedom” to move dogs to out-of-state rescues. These efforts are vital, yet never sufficient to meet the demand.
Adoptions Have Plummeted
Since COVID-19, adoption rates have dropped significantly. Once common with more than 45 dogs adopted on a Friday night, now just 5 to 6 leave per week.
Statewide Context: NC High Euthanasia Ranking
North Carolina ranks second in the nation for shelter euthanasia rates. Vance County is trapped in a system with deeply rooted statewide failures.