The Board of Directors for the Mitchell County Animal Rescue (MCAR) has released this statement in support the Executive Director, Amber Lowery, and staff of MCAR in their decision to take custody of 45 dogs who were under the care of Pam Jezik of Fifi’s Friends at Laughing Dog Farm.

On the morning of October 11, 2023, the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office requested the participation of MCAR in investigating a complaint that was received regarding the health and safety of dogs at Fifi’s Friends. The Sheriff contacted the State Department of Agriculture because there were licensing questions and was told that the NCDA had also received the same complaint. It is common practice for MCAR to accompany a Sheriff’s Deputy in animal-related calls.  In addition to the deputy and MCAR, two inspectors from the Veterinary Division of the NC Department of Agriculture (VD-NCDA) were in attendance, since NC law requires all animal rescues, whether or not certified as a non-profit, to be licensed by VD-NCDA.  The license for Fifi’s Friends was revoked in 2017 for non-compliance.

During the investigation Pam Jezik agreed to surrender 45 dogs to the care of MCAR.  It was not MCAR's decision to remove the animals. It was MCAR's decision to offer shelter to them once they were removed.

The dogs were taken to a temporary facility to be housed and assessed by local veterinarians. All dogs were found to be well-fed. Most dogs were accompanied by their vet records which had been maintained by Pam Jezik; many were not current on their vaccinations.  A few are being treated for heartworms. Some of the dogs came to us with fight wounds that required medical attention.

The temporary facility is a heated building, where staff and volunteers are working diligently to care for them.  They are being fed twice a day and are walked 4 to 5 times a day. Their crates are cleaned multiple times a day, receiving fresh blankets as needed. They have toys, and treats, and lick mats to keep them occupied and as relaxed as possible. Everyone knows their names and they are being loved on constantly.

Several fosters/adoptions are currently pending approval. Fourteen of the dogs have already been placed into rescues or homes; 10 more are scheduled for transport. All remaining dogs have now been fully vaccinated and are available for adoption or foster.  Adoption fees are $25 per dog. Applications for fostering or adoption are available on our website, mitchellcountyanimalrescue.org.

While the decision to accept custody of 45 dogs has placed a heavy obligation on MCAR staff and volunteers, the Board of Directors fully supports this decision and applauds Amber’s passion and commitment to the welfare of animals of Mitchell County.  We also would like to thank our community for the support you continue to give to MCAR.

Keith Beck, Chair
Susan Spruill, Vice Chair
Brette Barron, Treasurer
Haley Honeycutt, Secretary

Mitchell County Animal Rescue's mission is to rescue, protect, and care for abandoned and unwanted animals; to promote the importance of spay/neuter in reducing the population of stray animals; to place animals in loving homes; and to educate the community in humane treatment of animals.  

Mitchell County Animal Rescue, Inc. (MCAR) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) humane organization licensed through the NC Department of Agriculture and NC Department of Health and Human Services and contracted by Mitchell County to operate the animal shelter. We receive approximately 25% of our operating budget from the County and could not exist without funding from grants, individual donations, and fundraising events.  We are licensed by the NC Secretary of State to solicit donations.