Leadership changes at Lenoir County SPCA prompts staff departures, community petition
A decision by the Lenoir County SPCA Board of Directors to terminate its shelter director has sparked a wave of staff resignations, public backlash, and an online petition calling for her reinstatement.
Former employees, current staff, community members, and board leadership are offering sharply contrasting accounts of the events that have left the nonprofit animal shelter facing staffing shortages while caring for more than 200 animals.
Director Fired, Multiple Employees Leave
The board confirmed on July 28 that Shelter Director Kimberly Mitchell had been fired after what it described as “careful deliberation” and in the “long-term interest” of the shelter, its staff, volunteers, and the community it serves.
Following the announcement, at least five additional employees either resigned or were terminated, including Office Manager Taylor Milligan, Tiffany Milligan, Kennedy Rouse, Jessica Coburn, and Amanda Schultz. Staff numbers have fallen from 13 to seven, according to former employees.
A statement shared by Milligan said she resigned because she could no longer support what she called “a system that values politics and money over transparency, truth, and animal welfare.”
“I’ve given three years of my life to this shelter. Kimmie, our director, has given four and a half,” Milligan wrote. “To be repaid with silence, misinformation, and blatant disrespect is devastating — not just for us, but for the shelter as a whole. Ultimately, it’s the animals who will suffer the most.”
Former staff member Michael House also defended Mitchell’s record in a social media post. “We had one of the lowest kill rates under Kimberly Mitchell and now they want to act like she never did anything for the animals when I’ve have seen moments when she and other stuff stayed almost to 10pm to make sure them animals were cared for and felt at home.”
Board Issues Statement, Calls for Civility
In a statement released Monday, the SPCA Board of Directors said the leadership change “was not made lightly” and followed “careful deliberation” aimed at advancing the shelter’s mission.
“We understand that any leadership change can bring uncertainty and emotion,” the statement read. “While we respect the passion of those who support our mission, we ask for understanding and civility as we move forward. The hateful and personal attacks circulating on social media—especially those targeting our board president—are not only inappropriate, they are harmful to the organization as a whole.”
Board Chair Tonya Sessoms Adams later thanked remaining staff, volunteers, and board members for helping clean the shelter, care for animals, and process several adoptions and rescues amid the staffing shortage.
Community Response and Petition Drive
News of Mitchell’s firing prompted swift community reaction. A petition calling for her reinstatement gathered more than 1,100 signatures as of the writing of this article. Social media posts expressed concern that the shelter’s long-standing no-kill status could be jeopardized if operations change or if the county assumes more control.
Local resident Amanda Brooke urged others to contact the board. “One main factor here is that Lenoir County is a no kill shelter and they have the county trying to take over. If this happens, we won’t be a no kill shelter anymore and the animals there are now at risk.”
Current employee Tiffinie Jarman acknowledged the shelter needs help. “Me, along with three other staff members, some of the board members and a handful of volunteers cleaned, fed and cared for well over 200 animals at the shelter today. This is not something that can be continued long term. We need staff, volunteers, adopters and rescues as we are exceeding capacity.”
Unanswered Questions
The board has not publicly detailed specific reasons for Mitchell’s termination beyond referring to “public dissatisfaction,” which former employees dispute. Allegations raised online, including claims that dogs were euthanized shortly after the firing, have not been confirmed by shelter leadership.
The SPCA has not announced an interim or permanent replacement for Mitchell. The organization says it remains committed to providing “compassionate care and safe placement” for animals despite current challenges.
About the Lenoir County SPCA
The Lenoir County SPCA is an independent nonprofit that handles thousands of animals annually through an open-door intake policy. The shelter relies on donations, volunteers, and its Second Chances Thrift Store to support operations. It has maintained a no-kill designation for years and recently completed construction on a new facility to expand capacity.
As of Tuesday, the shelter continues to operate with reduced staff while debate over Mitchell’s dismissal and the future direction of the organization continues to unfold. The board has pledged to release further updates “as appropriate.”
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