There was public outcry over her arrest last Friday. The charges were dismissed Tuesday. In a post on Facebook, Wayne County prosecutors said the well-being of the animals was of foremost concern.

“The removal of animals from a building that failed to meet suitable standards for license as an animal shelter and away from the control of this defendant who has previously been censured for the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine was a prudent decision made with the best interest of the animals in mind,” Wayne County District Attorney Matthew Delbridge said in a statement. “This was especially true in light of her taking advantage of a dire situation to solicit money and opioid narcotics from our generous and well-intentioned citizens.”

Delbridge added he wants to focus on violent crime cases and said the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board would determine what steps to take next involving this case.