300 animals found dead at flooded Robeson County property

Authorities in Robeson County are investigating after more than 300 animals died during flooding from Hurricane Florence and another 400 were rescued over the weekend.

Posted 12:00 p.m. Sep 26, 2018 — Updated 12:00 p.m. Sep 26, 2018

LUMBERTON, NORTH CAROLINA — Authorities in Robeson County are investigating after more than 300 animals died during flooding from Hurricane Florence and another 400 were rescued over the weekend.

According to The Fayetteville Observer, a utility worker discovered the animals Friday on property in Orrum, about 15 miles south of Lumberton. The worker contacted a volunteer from K9 Global Rescue, which flew a drone over the property, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The volunteer reported that the situation was serious and took a boat onto the property to feed stranded animals.

More than 600 animals found abandoned by Florence evacuees in Robeson County

About 400 animals were rescued Sunday; 35 later died, authorities said. Rescuers discovered 300 dead animals on the property, along Skeeter Lane between U.S. 74 and N.C. 130.

No charges had been filed as of Tuesday afternoon.

Feathered animals and a rabbit are being cared for by the Carolina Water Fowl Rescue in Indian Trail. Cats and dogs were turned over to the Robeson County Humane Society. Five pot-bellied pigs are in the care of a county livestock contractor.

Several dogs stranded on a roof were rescued, as were seven horses found running. Other animals rescued included 97 dogs, 30 livestock animals, four peacocks and 12 chickens.

The rescue operation involved the N.C. National Guard, the Sheriff’s Office and volunteers, including a veterinarian and four veterinary assistants.

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