Animal Services — Sam and Buster horse deaths

Asked the county manager and Animal Services director to share the case file with the district attorney for review, saying accountability matters even if no charges result.

A former ranch employee corrected her earlier timeline and described reporting the deteriorating animals repeatedly in 2025, saying her concerns were never addressed and tougher animal cruelty laws are needed.

A rescue volunteer detailed the timeline of ignored complaints dating to April 2023 and argued the starvation deaths met the standard for criminal charges under N.C. statute; she also asked about the whereabouts of remaining horses and mules.