The NC Department of Agriculture received a complaint from a citizen in June regarding improper pet killings at the Stokes Co pound. On July 2, the department revoked the euthanasia technician certifications from two ACOs at the facility. An investigation conducted by a state inspector found that Phillip Handy, then director of the Stokes Co pound:
- killed animals before the required 72 hour holding period expired
- improperly killed at least one animal in May 2015 “which involved the cruel and inhumane treatment of the animal”
- “performed, participated in and/or witnessed” the inhumane killing of multiple animals
- treated multiple animals cruelly and inhumanely causing them pain and suffering
- shot an animal as “euthanasia” and failed to report it
- failed to cooperate with the state during the investigation
The state further found that ACO Darryl Sheppard:
- killed animals before the required 72 hour holding period expired
- witnessed at least one inhumane pet killing incident in May 2015 and failed to report it
- “performed, participated in and/or witnessed” the inhumane killing of multiple animals
- shot or had knowledge of the shooting of an animal as “euthanasia” and failed to report it
- failed to cooperate with the state during the investigation
Neither Sheppard nor Handy has been charged with any crime in connection with the department’s findings but the State Bureau of Investigation is investigating both men. They no longer work for Stokes Co. The facility failed its most recent inspection in late August.
(Thanks Clarice for sending me this story.)