Former Nash County animal control officer alleges poor training and management; requests investigation

A woman who identified herself as Leah Laitner told the Nash County Board of Commissioners during public comments on Oct. 6 that she was terminated from a recently begun position as an animal control officer and described systemic deficiencies she said undermined her ability to serve the public.

Why it mattered: Laitner said the problems she observed affect public-service quality, animal care and employee retention and asked commissioners to review the management and supervisory practices in the animal control office so “the next person who takes this position” and the public are better served.

Allegations and examples from the meeting: Laitner said she began work under probationary conditions but was expected to be on call and working alone on her first day without meaningful training. She said supervisors and coworkers were inconsistent, citing staff lateness and early departures, and alleged a supervisor “has openly said he doesn't want to go to court because he's too lazy,” which she characterized as a direct quote. She described shelter practices she said risked animal health, alleging discouraged equipment was used on cats and that bleach was inappropriately used in kennels.

Request to commissioners: Laitner asked the board to “look into the management practices of the animal control department,” including training, supervisory accountability and the disciplinary process. She said she received no prior written or verbal warnings before termination and that her termination paperwork claiming corrective measures had been used was inaccurate.

Board response: The board thanked Laitner for speaking and asked staff to note her comments and follow up. Commissioners did not discuss the item in detail during the meeting; staff said someone would follow up with Laitner if she provided contact information.

Speakers (from the public comment): - Leah Laitner, former Nash County animal control officer (public commenter)

Authorities: []

Actions: []

Clarifying details: [{"category":"employment_status","detail":"Length of employment","value":"less than one month","units":"time","approximate":false,"source_speaker":"Leah Laitner"},{"category":"training","detail":"Claim that no prior training or counseling was provided and no written/verbal warnings were given before termination","detail_full":"Laitner said she was not provided adequate training and received no written or verbal warnings prior to termination","source_speaker":"Leah Laitner"}]

Proper_names:[{"name":"Nash County Animal Control","type":"agency"}]

Community_relevance:{"geographies":["Nash County"],"funding_sources":[],"impact_groups":["county employees","pet owners","animals in shelter care"]}

Meeting_context:{"engagement_level":{"speakers_count":2,"duration_minutes":8,"items_count":1},"implementation_risk":"low","history":[]}

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