Inappropriate animal photos prompt police investigation

Three workers from the Mecklenburg County Animal Shelter are in hot water after police say they drugged several animals, put them in disturbing positions, and posted the images on Facebook. One picture shows a sedated cat with a cigarette in its mouth and a knife between its paws.



Lisa Easton reported the offensive pictures to officials. She is a former employee at the Mecklenburg County's Animal Shelter. Despite she didn't work at the shelter any longer, she still wanted to report the behaviour. "Animals should be treated humanely." Easton said.

Police were notified and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe said "allegation[s] came to light when an employee posted inappropriate photographs of sedated animals posed in staged positions on Facebook." According to Monroe, Internal Affairs quickly started an investigation. Mayor ProTem Patrick Cannon has received complaints from animal lovers all over the country about the offensive pictures.



"It has to be a sad day," Cannon said. "An extremely sad day and one that annoys me." Cannon wants action taken against the employees. "Termination, maybe suspensions," Cannon said. "But first and foremost terminations are in order. These photos were offensive in nature and the actions taken by the [Animal Care and Control] employees were irresponsible, unacceptable and not in keeping with the professional standards of the ACC," said Chief Monroe in a statement to Charlotte's mayor and city council.

With two news videos.