RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina animal shelters had the second-highest kill rate in the country in 2021.
In 2022:
- Nearly 14,400 animals were euthanized in NC shelters.
- More than 30,000 pets were surrendered by North Carolinians.
- NC animal shelters took in nearly 120,500 animals.
- There were more than 56,505 stray animals across the state.
Animal shelters can get a bad rap, but they're often working with too many animals and not enough resources.
"We’re not the pound; we’re not a horrible place," said Elaine Smith, director of Cumberland County Animal Services. "We’re a great place to come and find a new family member. We have wonderful animals for adoption."
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