Veterinarian loses thousands of dollars trying to save animals

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Burnett accepted the responsibility for 28 dogs at the Burnett Veterinary Hospital in late May... — Burnett accepted the responsibility for 28 dogs at the Burnett Veterinary Hospital in late May and is now losing thousands of dollars trying to care for them.

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – An animal rescue group on Facebook arranged to have dozens of dogs from a kill shelter in Columbus County be transferred to an animal hospital in Pender County.

"It's hard to say no when they come knocking at your door and they've got these animals in the shelter that are getting ready to be euthanized," said Dr. Cynthia Burnett who admitted she has a soft spot for animals.

Burnett accepted the responsibility for 28 dogs at the Burnett Veterinary Hospital in late May and is now losing thousands of dollars trying to care for them. She said the rescue group isn't helping her foot the bill.

"It's costing me an astronomical amount of money," explained Burnett who said the care is roughly $74,000. "That's the unfairness to me."

The rescue group, that wouldn't confirm its name, said they paid Burnett $13,000 plus another $5,000 they raised in donations. They say Burnett never itemized their bill.

The rescue group said they could not comment on this story without speaking to their attorney first.

Despite her monetary loss, Burnett says the only victims from this situation are the animals.

"These animals have been in kennels since May. But that's no place for a dog to live. These dogs need homes they need families," said Burnett.

The Humane Society said Pender County shelters have offered to take the animals, but Burnett is trying to make up costs.

The Humane Society of Southeastern North Carolina said Pender County shelters have offered to take the animals, but Burnett is trying to make up costs, but adopting out the animals. She is asking for $500 for each adoption to make up for her loss. The veterinary hospital is located on Highway 117.

The Humane Society of Southeastern North Carolina says that's unrealistic, but Burnett said any little bit will help, including donations in food, supplies or money.