Target: Patricia Norris, Director, Animal Welfare Section, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Goal: Impose maximum penalties and a permanent sheltering ban on any responsible parties who reportedly left cats ill.
A local animal shelter was ordered closed after cited violations under the North Carolina Animal Welfare Act. Soon after, another rescue took in 21 cats from that shuttered site. Several reportedly arrived with upper respiratory symptoms. Six remain quarantined with ringworm, according to rescuers, with weeks of treatment ahead.
Rescue staff described a scramble for placements across many miles. Most cats found foster care quickly, yet medical needs continue. Remaining cats require vaccines, surgeries, and extended care. Treatment costs are expected in the thousands, which underscores how alleged neglect can ripple into long suffering for animals and heavy strain on community resources.
Robust enforcement deters future harm. Administrative action should match the seriousness of the alleged violations that preceded closure. Sign below to demand maximum civil penalties, license revocation where applicable, public posting of findings, restitution for veterinary costs, and prompt referral of any potential criminal neglect for prosecutorial review by the local district attorney.
PETITION LETTER:
Director Norris,
We are troubled by reports that a local shelter was ordered closed for Animal Welfare Act violations, after which 21 cats were relocated. Several reportedly arrived coughing, while six remain quarantined with ringworm. These details suggest that prior care fell below legal standards and humane norms.
We respectfully urge decisive enforcement. Please apply maximum civil penalties allowed by law, revoke or deny any relevant licenses for responsible parties, require restitution that helps cover medical care for affected cats, and publish inspection outcomes for transparency. Such measures would signal that alleged neglect of animals carries real consequences.
We also ask that any evidence suggestive of criminal neglect be promptly referred for review by Prosecutorial District 1. Community members stand ready to support lawful care, yet accountability must follow when animals suffer due to substandard conditions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Tambako The Jaguar
