MORGANTON, N.C. -- The Animal Humane Society in Burke County had its license suspended by the state for violations.

• It houses nearly 80 dogs and 20 cats
• They have hired new people and made improvements to the shelter
• They are looking for more people to help clean the shelter

The shelter houses nearly 80 dogs and 20 cats inside its walls and they say they are working hard to make changes.

Two noted improvements: a fence and a second fence for the outside area.

“In the cat room, for 15 years we had a main feeder that all the cats fed out of. That's not how it's supposed to be. Every animal is supposed to have its own bowl,” board president Alan Keller said.

They have also hired someone for their record keeping.

One issue that was brought up was the amount of puppies that had died this year. They say that's due to sick litters that are being brought to them by animal control. They will now test all puppies before they are brought to the facility and are working with a local veterinarian to check on them multiple times a week.

“By no means do we want the puppies neglected,” Keller said.

Ninety-nine percent of the animals at this Humane Society were brought by Animal Control. The Burke County sheriff says if this Humane Society closes, it would be a problem.

“We want people to be able to come and adopt these animals and give them good homes,” Sheriff Steve Whisenant said.

But the county shelter doesn't have the room, so this humane society needs your help.

“We would like people to come Saturday, Sunday, Monday. We would like people to come, the staff will direct them give them cleaning supplies just start on the building from top to bottom. We just want to make sure it's sterilized and we get all the germs out of here,” Keller said.

They have 30 days to cross every T, dot every I and get the place clean.