Duplin County says state inspected animal shelter after complaint; former employee says she was wrongfully terminated

A complaint prompted state inspectors to visit the Duplin County animal shelter, and county officials said Dec. 1 they have not yet received the state's written report. County staff also said they are conducting a separate internal review of animal services operations.

Lisa Hughes, the county clerk who gave the announcement, told the board that two state inspectors visited the shelter "two weeks ago Monday" and had requested additional information; Hughes said the county had provided contact information but had not yet received the final report. She said the state's report would be sent to the claimant and to county management rather than directly to the animal-shelter director.

During public comment, Hope Jeton Tucker—who identified herself as a member of the Coharie Native American tribe and as a veterinary assistant with years of experience—said she was terminated from Duplin County Animal Services on Nov. 7, 2025. Tucker told the board she had posted a publicly listed budget and her salary information online and that the transparency led to her dismissal. "My transparency was not a secret nor was it shameful, and it was not defamatory," Tucker said in her remarks, and she described losing the job as costing her income and stability for her family.

Hughes said the state inspectors had not asked further questions of county management beyond initial requests and that the county would provide updates when the state report is received. She also said the county is doing an internal review of its animal-services operations and would report results to the board when available.

The board did not take formal action on the animal-shelter matter at the meeting; Hughes asked the public for patience while the county and the state complete their reviews.