Dollar General investors approved a resolution Wednesday to create an independent audit of the chain's safety policies because of violence at stores and millions of dollars in fines for workplace safety violations.

The third-party audit should evaluate "management and business practices that contribute to an unsafe or violent environment" the resolution said. It said that "understaffing and poor security measures at Dollar General stores may also contribute to increased risk of gun violence to staff and communities."

The vote to audit the company's practices was a rebuke to Dollar General's leadership and a sign of growing pressure on the fast-growing retailer to improve workplace safety. Dollar General has more than 19,000 stores and 160,000 employees.

Since 2014, there have been 49 workers and customers killed and 172 injured at Dollar General stores, according to data from the non-profit group Gun Violence Archive. The Labor Department has proposed more than $21 million in fines against Dollar General since 2017 for safety hazards in stores, such as blocked fire exits and electrical outlets and boxes stacked up aisles. The agency deemed Dollar General a "severe violator" of workplace safety laws last year.

Dollar General's board of directors had recommended shareholders vote against the resolution, which was introduced by progressive investment firm Domini Impact Investments and worker advocacy groups.

"A majority vote supporting an independent audit on worker health and safety is a win for Dollar General workers," said Mary Beth Gallagher, director of engagement at Domini, in a statement Wednesday. "We hope the company will act quickly to conduct an independent audit, incorporating worker and customer input."

A Dollar General spokesperson told CNN that the company was awaiting the final results of the proposal and would report it in an SEC filing. The company did not say whether it will conduct the audit.

A stray dog who relentlessly tried to run off with a purple unicorn plush toy from a North Carolina discount store is up for adoption.

Duplin County Animal Services wrote in a Facebook post that 1-year-old Sisu was picked up on allegations of larceny and breaking-and-entering after he tried to swipe the toy multiple times from a local Dollar General.

The department said Sisu had obviously set his eyes on the purple unicorn that had a red, sparkly horn and hooves.

After multiple attempts to take the toy, animal control officers were called to the store to get the dog.

The responding officer ended up purchasing the unicorn for Sisu, and made sure he had it nearby when he was taken to the shelter.

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A photo posted to the department's Facebook page shows Sisu peacefully resting his head on his new friend.

Duplin County Animal Services is looking to find Sisu a forever home.

While obviously determined, animal control officers describe Sisu as sassy with other dogs and very vocal.

Sisu is also an obedient pup and “loves unicorns from Dollar General.”

He weighs about 67 pounds. Anyone interested in adopting Sisu must fill out an adoption application and email it to dcanimals@duplincountync.com.

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