Burke County Animal Services

10/31/2026

Help! I'm lost and want to go home!

Found at B&D Ave

Please come to the shelter with proof of ownership to reclaim.

Burke Animal Resource Center
636 Kirksey Dr
Morganton NC, 28655

[email protected]

828-764-9588

10/30/2026

Here is the press release from Valdese Police regarding the press release we sent out this morning.

VALDESE POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION RELEASE

Animal Cruelty Investigation – Two Individuals Arrested

On October 28, 2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the Valdese Police Department received a call for service regarding an animal complaint. Upon arrival, officers located two dogs that appeared to be severely malnourished.

Valdese Animal Control immediately obtained a search warrant to further investigate the conditions of the animals. During the investigation, arrest warrants were also obtained and served on the two owners.

The two dogs were secured and transported to Burke County Animal Services, where staff immediately began providing care and treatment.

In a recent update, Burke County Animal Services reported, “Sadly, one of the dogs passed away due to the severity of the maltreatment he had experienced.”

Valdese Animal Control subsequently transported the deceased dog to the Griffin Animal Disease Laboratory in Monroe, North Carolina, for a necropsy to further determine the cause of death.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested and charged:

Dwayne Eddie Branch
Date of Birth: February 22, 1959
Charges: Four counts of Animal Cruelty.

Jennifer Susie Clark
Date of Birth: September 20, 1991
Charges: Animal Cruelty. Providing False Information to an Officer.

Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues and authorities await the results of the necropsy.

The Valdese Police Department appreciates the assistance and continued efforts of Burke County Animal Services in providing care for these animals.

The Valdese Police Department will release additional information as it becomes available and as appropriate during the ongoing investigation.

10/30/2026

NOTICE OF EARLY CLOSURE

Burke County Animal Resource Center closed to the public at 12:00 p.m. today, Friday, October 30, to provide our team time to debrief and come together following a particularly difficult animal cruelty case.

Two dogs were recently brought to our facility for safekeeping as part of an animal cruelty investigation being conducted by the Town of Valdese. Sadly, one of the dogs passed away overnight due to the severity of the maltreatment he had experienced.

The investigation remains active, and evidence continues to be collected by law enforcement. Out of respect for that process, we will not be releasing additional details at this time.

Cases involving animal cruelty have an impact not only on the animals involved, but also on the professionals who care for them.

We take animal abuse and cruelty seriously, and we are grateful for our partnerships with local law enforcement agencies as we work together to protect animals throughout our community.

Burke County Animal Resource Center will resume normal operating hours on Saturday, October 31.

Thank you for your understanding and support of our team.

10/30/2026

10/30/2026

MEET ROGER: 17 POUNDS OF ATTITUDE, BOUNDARIES, AND OCCASIONAL AFFECTION.

Roger is not looking for a family. He's looking for a roommate. Preferably one who respects his personal space, keeps their snacks to themselves (unless he decides otherwise), and understands that affection is available by appointment only.

A few things you should know about Roger:

Children? Not his favorite. He actually rather enjoys intimidating them through uncomfortable eye contact and the occasional slap, so a child-free home is strongly preferred.

Other dogs? He can tolerate them, but let's just say he's not above a little workplace bullying.

Food? If it's unattended, it's his.

Personal space? Roger is a HUGE fan of boundaries. Yours, his, everybody's.

Cuddles? Yes, but only when HE decides it's time. Please do not submit complaints about his customer service.

Now, before you write him off as a tiny tyrant in a 17-pound body, there's another side to Roger.

The shelter staff have learned that underneath all that attitude is actually a very sweet boy. With patience, consistency, and a little understanding, Roger will show you his softer side. He loves headbutts, making biscuits, and purring like there's a small motor running inside his chest.

Roger isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, and honestly, he's perfectly fine with that. He would love a quiet home where he can coexist peacefully, have his own space, steal the occasional snack, and come find you for affection when the mood strikes.

If you're looking for a cat who will respect your boundaries while occasionally violating your snack security, Roger might be your guy.

Roger is available for adoption for $20 at:
Burke Animal Resource Center
636 Kirksey Drive
Morganton, NC 28655

Email: [email protected]

Come meet Roger. Just remember, he is interviewing YOU, not the other way around.

10/30/2026

Due to an unexpected animal tragedy this morning, Burke County Animal Services will be closing at 12:00 PM today to allow our staff time to come together, debrief, and process the events of the day.

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and compassion as our team navigates this difficult time. Our commitment to caring for the animals and people of Burke County remains strong, and we appreciate your continued support.

We will resume normal business hours on Saturday, October 31st.

A press release will be issued explaining the events that took place.

Thank you for understanding and keeping our team in your thoughts.

10/29/2026

UPDATE: ADOPTED

💗 Meet Hat Trick: A Little Puppy with a LOT of Heart! 🐾

Hat Trick’s story is one of heartbreak, healing, and hope. ❤️

On September 30th, this sweet girl, only about 18 weeks old, arrived at our shelter after being hit by a car. Thanks to a Good Samaritan who stopped to help her, Hat Trick got the chance she desperately needed.

Her injuries were severe. She had a ruptured spleen, extensive bruising, a torn muscle along her back, multiple abrasions, and several fractures in her pelvis. She was in significant pain and faced a long, difficult road to recovery.

But this little girl wasn’t ready to give up. 🥹❤️

With medical care, pain management, patience, and lots of love from our shelter team, Hat Trick slowly began to heal. One little step at a time, she started walking again. Her recovery hasn’t been easy, but she has shown us just how resilient a little puppy can be.

Today, Hat Trick is spayed, vaccinated, and on heartworm prevention. She’s learning to sit, practicing her leash-walking skills, and showing us what a sweet, attentive girl she is. She still walks slowly and has some stiffness, but she continues to make progress at her own pace.

Now, we think it’s time for Hat Trick to find her own special person. 🏡💕

This precious girl has already been through more than any puppy should have to experience. She deserves a home where she can feel safe, loved, and cherished. Someone who will be patient with her, celebrate her progress, and give her all the love she has so much left to give.

Hat Trick has fought hard to get where she is today. Now, we want to help her find her happily-ever-after! ❤️

Could you be the one to give this little fighter the loving home she deserves? Come meet Hat Trick and let her show you just how much heart can fit into one little puppy. 🐶💗

📍 Burke County Animal Services
636 Kirksey Dr., Morganton, NC

📞 828-764-9588

Please share Hat Trick’s story to help us find her person! Every share brings her one step closer to the loving home she deserves. 🐾❤️

10/29/2026

😈🖤 THE VILLAINS HAVE ARRIVED… AND THEY’RE HERE TO STEAL YOUR HEARTS! 🖤😈

Mirror, mirror on the wall… who’s the cutest little villain of them all?! 🪞🐾

Meet our Disney Villain litter! These little Lab mix cuties may be named after some infamous troublemakers, but their only evil plan is to sneak into your heart and take over your couch! 😂❤️

At just 2 months old, these adorable little sidekicks are playful, sweet, and ready to write their own happily-ever-after! They’re good with dogs, cats, and people of all ages. Apparently, even villains can have a soft side! 🥹🐶

✨ Their villainous credentials:
🖤 Lab mix cuties
💉 Up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations
🐾 Microchipped
✂️ Spayed/neutered
❤️ Adoption fee: JUST $40!

Their past may be wicked, but their future could be wonderful… with YOU! 🏰

Come meet your new partner in crime at Burke County Animal Services!

📍 636 Kirksey Dr, Morganton

⚠️ WARNING: Side effects of adoption may include stolen blankets, puppy kisses, uncontrollable smiling, and a lifetime of unconditional love!

Which little villain will steal YOUR heart? 😈🐾

10/29/2026

Millie is available for adoption!

Since in her temporary home, Millie is continuing to make progress with obedience training, though counter surfing is still a work in progress. Millie is incredibly sweet and affectionate with the person she bonds with, and she is still learning how to play and build confidence. She may do best in a home where she can be the only dog or with an experienced dog owner who understands how to manage introductions, boundaries, and interactions with other dogs. With continued patience, consistency, and a loving home willing to help her succeed, Millie has the potential to keep making wonderful progress.

Millie is available for adoption! Anyone interested in meeting her can contact Burke Animal Resource Center to schedule a meet-and-greet with her foster family and learn more about what she needs to thrive in her forever home.

828-764-9588
[email protected]

10/29/2026

TONIGHT!