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WINDSOR, N.C. – February 7, 2026
Animal Cruelty Charges Filed in Bertie County Amidst Calls for Stronger Pet Protection Laws
Table of Contents
Two separate cases involving severely neglected dogs have prompted renewed scrutiny of animal welfare standards in Bertie County, North Carolina.
- Ameena Outlaw was charged wiht cruelty to animals after a dog named Cinnamon was found chained in subfreezing temperatures.
- Lionel James Norfleet pleaded guilty to animal cruelty after a dog named Yale was discovered with a metal chain embedded in its neck.
- PETA has long advocated for mandatory standards of care and a ban on continuous chaining in the county.
- Local officials have yet to implement these changes despite repeated requests from animal welfare organizations.
A Bertie County resident, Ameena Outlaw, faces animal cruelty charges after authorities say a dog named Cinnamon was discovered chained outside her property in dangerously cold conditions on Saturday. The incident highlights a growing concern for animal welfare in the region, and underscores the need for stronger protections for vulnerable pets.
Chained and Injured: The Cases of Cinnamon and Yale
PETA fieldworkers reported that Cinnamon suffered from an infection and had a collar so tightly wrapped around her neck that it had grown into her flesh, creating a severely infected wound.Local authorities were alerted and authorized PETA to provide Cinnamon with urgent veterinary care.
The charges against Outlaw were filed on the same day that lionel James Norfleet appeared in court to plead guilty to similar charges. PETA fieldworkers had previously found a dog named Yale tethered on Norfleet’s property with a heavy metal chain embedded in his neck. Both cases paint a grim picture of neglect and suffering.
Years of Advocacy, Limited Action
For years, the People for the ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has urged local officials to adopt mandatory standards of care and prohibit the continuous chaining of dogs. Despite providing details and advocating for change, officials have not yet taken action.
“Dogs in our area are in crisis, neglected, forgotten, and left to suffer outside in below-freezing weather on the end of heavy chains, often without the basic necessities of life like water or food,” said Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA Senior Vice President. “We hope that these cases move the Bertie County Board of Commissioners to use their authority and power to make a difference of life and death for countless dogs in their own backyard.”
The Call for Change
Animal welfare advocates believe that implementing stricter regulations is crucial to preventing future instances of animal cruelty.
Why did these incidents occur? These cases stemmed from individual neglect and a lack of enforceable animal welfare regulations in Bertie County. cinnamon and Yale were left in conditions causing severe physical harm, highlighting the vulnerability of animals without adequate protection.
Who was involved? Ameena Outlaw and lionel James Norfleet were charged with animal cruelty. PETA fieldworkers discovered and reported the cases, providing veterinary care to the animals.Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA Senior Vice President, publicly advocated for change. Bertie county officials are under pressure to address the issue.
What happened? Two dogs, Cinnamon and yale, were found severely neglected in Bertie County. Cinnamon was chained with an embedded collar, and Yale had a metal chain growing into his neck. Both owners faced animal cruelty charges, with Norfleet pleading guilty. PETA has been advocating for stronger animal welfare laws in the county for years.
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