Humane Society workers deny animal abuse

FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Employees with the Humane Society of St. Lucie County are firing back at those whom they say have tarnished their reputation.
 
A former veterinarian with the organization alleged the nonprofit group has inhumanely euthanized shelter animals, often in large quantities, over the years to save for a new building.

A current employee also said the animals weren't sedated properly before those euthanizations, according to Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.

Friday more than twenty employees and board members gathered outside the society's Fort Pierce building and denied any allegations of animal abuse.

Board members say those concerns were only brought up after the ex-worker was fired and question why they weren't raised during four years of employment.

"We are, as it turns out, apparently are the hired bad guys to take care of city and county problems. It's not our problem," said Humane Society Executive Director Frank Andrews.

The Humane Society says its doors are wide open. It is holding an open house Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. For one day only people who want to adopt a pet can name their own price.

The county said it take the allegations very seriously but will continue to work with the humane society.  A spokesperson said the county held a workshop to discuss the abuse claims but will not be further investigating because it doesn't have the ability.

A new contract between the county and the humane society is expected to be presented December 20th.  A spokesperson said the new contract could have strong language when it comes to animal abuse.

Information from Christin Erazo, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, contributed to this report