As the region awaits word from the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office regarding alleged “irregularities” at the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, that organization’s Board of Directors has a new member, is continuing adoptions, has formed a search committee for a new Executive Director, and is now seeking candidates for an Operational Manager for the Yeager Family Pet Shelter south of St. Joseph according to a new dispatch from the board tonight.
Berrien County Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli reported to The Herald-Palladium that his office had received a report on the shelter investigation from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office last Friday, but has released no word on when a decision in the case will be made.
Meanwhile, the Board of Directors who leveled the charges of “irregularities” after Executive Director Jill Svoboda and and four members of her staff resigned last month, issued a new press release tonight titled, “Humane Society of Southwest Michigan Moves Forward on Its Mission.”
In the dispatch, the board says that Lynne Christiano has been added to the board, and while a search committee has been formed to find a new Executive Director, they are also seeking candidates for an Operational Manager for the shelter. Several quotes are included in the release, but are only attributed to “a board member,” who remains unnamed. Here’s what the board says:
After a year at the shelter, Mike has a new home! Mike is a German Shepherd mix that has called The Humane Society of Southwest Michigan’s Yeager Family Pet Shelter home for the past year. This is great news for Mike and the Humane Society. “We are always happy when one of our animals finds a family, but this was an especially happy occasion because being here a year is far too long”, said a board member. Mike’s new owner shared, “He’s taking over the home and becoming part of the family.” We wish Mike and his new owner much happiness in the future as they develop their forever bond.
In the wake of the sudden resignation of its former Executive Director and other staff members on February 23, 2021, The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan is pleased to report that we are forging ahead under difficult circumstances. We want to thank and give a big shout out to our 7 kennel technicians who remained with the shelter and give our animals great care each and every day! With the help of our employees, donors, and volunteers we have accomplished a lot over the past month including:
- After background checks, and meet and greets, we’ve successfully adopted out 7 dogs and 12 cats. Several more adoptions are in process.
- Welcomed Lynne Christiano as a new Board member
- Rebuilding relationships with our area veterinarians and animal support groups
- Working with kennel techs to get needed equipment and materials to better complete their job tasks such as new brooms, rubber boots, squeegees, etc.
- Reaching out to volunteers to welcome them back to the shelter
- Updated COVID policies
- Reduced chemical intake by implementing automatic dispensing machines with approved cleaning products for pet shelters
- Working to complete Animal Shelter Annual Report
- Formed a search committee for a new Executive Director
- Seeking out candidates for an Operational Manager for the shelter
“This has been a difficult time, but positive things have been happening within the shelter and for the animals in our care,” said a board member. “The community has been supportive with volunteers, donations and adoptions. The care of the animals is our highest priority and we want them ready and available to become someone’s next family pet.”
The Board of Directors, staff, and a group of dedicated volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure the shelter remains open during scheduled hours. The group has taken the time to clean and reorganize the shelter and do additional planning.
“We are moving forward in all aspects of the organization,” said a board member. “We look forward to the many positive improvements on the horizon.”
The press release was sent with the note that “Our attorney and board has reviewed and approved this statement.”
Svoboda and four of her co-workers resigned together last month, citing “toxic work conditions” created by board members of the organization, and have taken part in protests at the shelter in recent weeks.
