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Bertie County: new shelter drawings approved; advocates say capacity, euthanasia remain concerns
Summary
County officials said shelter drawings are approved and the concrete slab will be poured after permitting, with projected completion in May; former animal-control staff and advocates warned limited capacity has led to difficult euthanasia decisions and called for clearer shelter deadlines and rescue coordination.
County Manager Juan Vaughan told the Board that drawings for the new animal shelter have been approved and returned to contractors and that the concrete slab will be placed once the necessary permit is obtained; the project remains on track for completion in May 2026.
Former Bertie County Animal Control worker Victoria Nussbaumer told commissioners about “heartbreaking” cases of severe neglect and abuse she encountered while working with the shelter and said limited resources and space sometimes forced euthanasia as a last resort. Public commenters urged additional deadlines and cross-county rescue support to prevent unnecessary animal deaths.
Advocates recommended sterilization programs and reminded the Board that Tier 1 counties may seek reimbursement through the NCDA&CS Spay/Neuter Program for qualifying procedures; Deborah Tayloe outlined how 50% of state Spay/Neuter Account funds are reserved for Tier 1 applicants and distributed quarterly based on procedures performed.
The Board asked staff to add the Animal Control Advisory Board’s consideration of the tethering ordinance to the March 16 work session and to continue coordinating shelter capacity planning with rescue partners.
