Following word this morning that the Berrien County Prosecutor will not pursue any formal charges or action on alleged “irregularities” of the former Executive Director of the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, the Board of Directors of the organization has dispatched a new press release this afternoon.
Dispatched by the newest member of the board, Lynne Christiano, the release takes up two issues, “Erroneous reports of an animal injury at the shelter,” and “An attempt at clarifying the abrupt voluntary departure” of the former director.
Here is the complete release as received this afternoon:
A response to erroneous reports of an injury to Cuddle Bugg, a dog who has been in the Humane society for six years, plus an attempt at clarifying the abrupt voluntary departure of Ms. Jill Svoboda from her executive position.
- Reports that Cuddle Bugg, a dog in care, was “injured” by a metal spring.
Actual wound is a cancerous tumor which had surfaced and ruptured.
Prior to Ms. Svoboda’s departure a 10-12 year old dog, Cuddle Bugg, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. The visible sore is a result of the internal tumor rupturing. A kennel tech reported Cuddle Bugg’s sore to a board member in the office. The board member made arrangements to take Cuddle Bugg to Two By Two for evaluation where staff administered antibiotics and recommended the humane thing would be to euthanize Cuddle Bugg.
Our supporting veterinarian, spoke with one of our former kennel techs about Cuddle Bugg’s cancer and quality of life and recommended euthanization.
This significant information was never shared with the board.
We do not know if this former kennel tech informed Ms. Svoboda of Cuddle Bugg’s true condition or of the two similar diagnoses. Certainly the doctor’s humane recommendation has not been followed as Cuddle Bugg is still suffering from an open wound caused by a cancerous tumor emerging.
It may be the information was not passed on or simply ignored because the spring-caused injury falsehood has been a featured photo on current media reports. The “Friends of the Humane Society” website, created by Shannon White (who is not a board member), continues to state the false metal spring injury claim.
The board does not know where or how she got this misinformation.
- The “toxic” board claims may stem from Ms. Svoboda’s H-P interview.
Shortly after the board received a solid financial report from their treasurer, a staff member indicated to the press that the Humane Society was not doing well financially. The Herald Palladium reported, “If the Yeager Family Pet Shelter is going to remain open for the rest of the year, the Humane Society will have to raise about $25,000.”
In presenting a monthly financial report to the board, the Humane Society treasurer said HSSM was in better shape than many other nonprofits he knew.
The plea in the Herald-Palladium disturbed the board because according to the treasurer’s report it was patently untrue, and had the potential to create doubt and ill will among good current and potential donors.
Asked why her staff told the H-P that, Ms. Svoboda said, “The reporter added sensationalism to make the story more interesting. It worked.”
Subsequently Ms. Svoboda requested a merit raise from the board for she and her staff. The board called a special meeting on 2/11 and discussed merit raises for Ms. Svoboda and her entire staff as well as bonus checks for the kennel techs. This conversation was to take place at the next board meeting. That discussion never took place as Ms. Svoboda resigned hours before the board meeting.
Security video shows Ms. Svoboda directing kennel techs to carry files and large plastic bags out of the Yeager Family Pet Shelter. She allowed employees to take pictures, remove a Green Bay Packers autographed football donated for our auction, remove large amounts of dog and cat food and what appears to be 12 to 15 boxes of Heartguard, all donated to benefit animals.
Though keys were left behind, the board had Brown’s Locksmiths re-key locks to reestablish security. There is still no way of reprogramming the keyless entries and, though most key cards were left behind, the kennel tech who recently departed seems to have departed with his key card which still allows access at any time.
The board found two of the three computers locked with no information to identify passwords and access information critical to maintain operations support for the animals and staff. The board hired Kevin Schoen of Software Solutions in Buchanan to reboot the server and create new passwords.
The board has no access to the Humane Society’s FaceBook page. The password was changed two weeks ago. Much critical information is missing, like donor lists, mailing lists and grant information. Any animal adoptions that were currently in process were not accessible. There were no written procedures or directions on the adoption process for the cats and dogs. Any professional separating their employment would have made sure these critical elements were available to ensure the welfare of staff and animals.
Board members have continued front office operations, as best they can. The remaining kennel techs care for the animals on a proper schedule.
Inspecting the kennel areas after Ms. Svoboda’s abrupt departure, found supplies and equipment levels far below an acceptable standard, in some cases harmful to staff and animals.
There was one pair of rubber boots, size 13, for all six kennel techs to share when washing out kennels. Brooms and squeegees were worn well beyond normal use. Cleaning agent amounts far exceeded our needs and none had OSHA MSDS sheets identifying their contents and use. Bleach, which may aggravate a dog’s paws and is also harmful to the epoxy floors, was being used to sanitize the kennels. Though Ms. Svoboda was informed of these facts from the construction manager who was part of the building project on a number of occasions, apparently bleach was still being used.
One board member and volunteer immediately went out and bought new rubber boots properly sized for each kennel tech, shovels, squeegees and brooms plus a special dog kennel cleaner from Thayer Paper to sanitize without irritating a dog’s feet – all new materials were donated.
In spite of all the obstacles that were presented to the remaining kennel techs and the Board of Directors, by the former staff members of the HSSM, we are thankful for the continued support of the community through volunteers, donations, and adoptions as the organization continues to succeed with its mission. The animals at the shelter continue to receive proper care. Our visiting veterinarian checks on our animals on a weekly basis. HSSM voluntarily invited a Senior Field Veterinarian for the State of Michigan to check on conditions at the shelter. With the help of staff, licensed veterinarian, and a welcomed review from the State of Michigan, the HSSM remains confident that the animals at the shelter are receiving loving and safe care.
Editor’s Note: In an earlier iteration of this story, the board’s press release was termed a “Last and Final” press release. While that was the name of the file that was received, the board has indicated that while the file was named that, “It was not meant to be our last and final press release,” and requested it be changed.
