Animal shelter struggles with staffing and adoption challenges amidst budget constraints

Sampson County's Board of Commissioners held a crucial budget workshop on June 12, 2025, where discussions centered on the pressing challenges faced by the county's animal shelter. The meeting highlighted significant staffing shortages and the need for increased funding to maintain essential services.

The animal shelter currently operates with only six employees, down from seven, which has strained its ability to manage daily operations effectively. The shelter's director shared that on particularly busy days, such as when they had only three staff members available, the team struggled to handle the influx of animals and public interactions. This staffing issue has made it difficult to accept public events and manage the shelter's responsibilities, including cleaning, medicating, and caring for the animals.

Commissioners discussed the need to revamp the animal control ordinance to address irresponsible pet ownership in the community. Proposed changes include increasing fees for pet owners who repeatedly reclaim their animals and implementing daily charges for negligent owners. These adjustments aim to encourage responsible pet ownership and alleviate the burden on the shelter.

The shelter's director also reported on the financial aspects of the operation, noting that the budget for the animal shelter is approximately half a million dollars. While the county subsidizes pet ownership through adoption services, there is concern about the sustainability of this model. The director emphasized the importance of spaying and neutering adopted animals to prevent overpopulation, but commissioners questioned whether the current approach is cost-effective.

In response to the financial challenges, the board considered alternative solutions, such as utilizing inmate labor for shelter maintenance and potentially hiring part-time staff instead of relying on contracted services. These measures could help reduce costs while maintaining the shelter's cleanliness and operational efficiency.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore educational campaigns aimed at raising public awareness about responsible pet ownership and the financial implications of neglecting animal care. The board acknowledged that while the animal shelter may not be viewed as an essential service, it plays a critical role in the community, and its challenges must be addressed to ensure the welfare of both animals and residents.