What would you think of a rescue group that told you to euthanize all of

[auburngrad82]

your animals? We have a situation where a couple board members of a rescue organization are mad at another member and told her to take all of her animals (about 30 cats and 10-15 dogs) to the local shelter and surrender them. Now, our local shelter has a policy that if you surrender an animal they will euthanize it within 24 hours.

My first action was to call for the board members resignations. I've also suggested that I will start writing LTTEs and letters to the ASPCA and Humane Society if they are not removed. I was told that I would be endangering the animals if I wrote the letters. I replied that if the animals were surrendered there would be no animals to harm. Besides, I am not the one ordering their surrender and subsequent euthanization.

The animals should come first. Am I wrong?

[superconnected]

1. You are absolutely right.

Those members are scary. Get them out of there.

[Lorien]

2. That's horrible! You're absolutely

doing the right thing; the animals ALWAYS come first! Those board members should find something else to do with themselves; obviously they are putting EGOS before all. Hell, the head of my rescue group is a * supporter, as are many of the volunteers, but when it comes to rescuing animals egos and politics should never get in the way of our ultimate goal, which is to save as many of them as possible. Those board members seem to have forgotten this entirely.

[flvegan]

3. Wait a minute...

I'm not big on 3rd party information. What are the specifics as to the "take all of her animals (about 30 cats and 10-15 dogs) to the local shelter and surrender them" and what brought this about?

I run a rescue, and I'm a former BOD of my local humane society. I've seen all kinds of stuff get blown way out of proportion, usually based on the grapevine aspect of moving information.

Answer those questions, and I'll tell you exactly how to get their attention...

[auburngrad82]

5. Without too many details

We were originally two separate rescues that joined forces, but kept funding separate. Now the other side is trying to run us out but they want our funding. They sent out e-mails last week instructing our coordinator to give them control of our checking account and to take all the animals to the local shelter.

It's basically a personality clash between two board members and our coordinator.

Personally, I'm not opposed to leaving and starting our own rescue again. BUT, I think the funds that we raised through our hard work and our dedication should remain with us.

[superconnected]

7. If you would only write a press release and send it to your paper.

Or call your papers tip line.

They could cover it and that pets get put down within 24 hours in your local pound.

It would ultimately be a very good thing. If these people get there way animals will be put down, so why not just write that press release.

Teach them the adage - "Don't do anything you wouldn't mind explaining on tv."

If you would like me to send you a press release to look at format, and if you want to tell me the area you are in so I can call newspapers and get editors emails, I will be happy to.

I would make it a big deal. All publicity on animal incarceration is good publicity.

Kelly
[e-mail]

[auburngrad82]

8. I'm going to give them some time to work out a solution.

If it comes down to them putting the animals at risk I will definitely do something. At that time I may private message you about the press release idea.

I'm so mad about this right now. I need to take a step back and give it a little time to see if they can work things out.

[flvegan]

9. As you've stated, it's smart to take some cool down time.

I would motion for an emergency closed-door Board meeting of ALL members of both BOD. I'd summarize my facts, and ask for a vote to remove the violating members of the Board. I promise you, without reading it, they've violated/broken your charter or Mission Statement or whatever rules the two organizations. It's grounds for removal. If, upon hearing my request, it was denied, I'd not only threaten going to the press, but also contacting member/supporters and commercial sustainers.

[regnaD kciN]

4. I think I'd like to know what group this is...

...to make sure I avoided them like the plague until those board members were out the door!

[auburngrad82]

6. I'm going to give them some time to fix their "problem"

but if they don't get rid of the board members then everyone will know who it is!

[roguevalley]

10. yes, you are right. damn these people. how evil does it get?