The director at an Indiana animal shelter was terminated from his position after he put down several supposedly healthy animals.
Employees at HELP the Animals, Inc in Richmond, considered a ‘no-kill’ non-profit organization, claimed the recently-appointed Jamie Glandon euthanized as many as seven animals over the course of one month.
The workers alleged the full truth had been withheld from them, while some board members said they were ‘forced’ to keep quiet on the matter.
Two board members, Michele Curry and Kimm Ladd, who took part in the process, also resigned following the breach and backlash received.
HELP the Animals, Inc in Richmond, Indiana, is considered a ‘no-kill’ non-profit organization
Workers claimed the recently-appointed Jamie Glandon euthanized as many as seven animals in one month
The termination comes after petitions circulated by furious community members and other individuals
In the past, the shelter strictly put down dogs and cats ‘that could not be adopted due to aggression issues or those with terminal diseases,’ according to the local Palladium-Item.
The number of dogs euthanized since 2012 include ’33 for terminal diseases and 19 for their inability to be adopted or relocated,’ while there is ‘no record of putting down more than one dog at a time,’ the newspaper said.
Glandon’s termination comes after numerous petitions circulated by furious community members and other individuals.
‘We looked at the problems with the community, the hatefulness,’ Board President, Susan Beeson, said Tuesday.
Board members of HELP released a statement on the matter following public backlash
‘And requests from our supporters, and decided that that was the best thing to do.’
Ultimately, board members made the call at a meeting where unanimous votes were placed.
Beeson described Glandon and the two board members’ leave to be the ‘best decision for the shelter.’
Curry said in an interview with the newspaper she is certain the board ‘followed proper protocol’ before putting the animals down.
The number of dogs euthanized since 2012 include ’33 for terminal diseases and 19 for their inability to be adopted or relocated’
The trio collectively decided the seven animals were too much of a risk to be adopted out
‘I’m just deeply saddened and upset; it’s unfortunate and I’m just extremely upset right now,’ said Curry. ‘We followed protocol.’
The trio collectively decided the seven animals ‘were too much of a risk to be adopted out.’
Ladd agreed to Curry’s statement, and said she was disappointed by the outcome, but wishes for the shelter ‘to move forward’ from it.
Another board member, Nancy Rhoades, revealed plans of a policy change.
‘There will be a change, a definite change, in our policy. We’re will rewrite it,’ Rhoades said.
‘We want to do everything we can to be the best shelter we can be for the animals and the people that support us.’