Several months ago, I felt it would be simple to have the truth revealed. I found strong evidence about misuse of funds in a San Antonio, Texas nonprofit animal shelter. Moreover, I was certain that the media, public officials and funding sources would be outraged and demand an immediate investigation.
The shelter executive director eventually resigned after I published information online. I believed it would be over quickly. Surely, the honest would step forward, and others involved that remained at the shelter would soon resign or be removed.
Large amounts of money was being donated to save animals, and many appear on the news talking of their love for animals and what they are doing to protect them. Certainly, someone would come forward to help reveal the truth.
However, that was not the case.
The newspaper in the city is very large. The news editor assigned another editor and reporter for the story. They seemed eager to write the article. During a one month period while asking about progress I was repeatedly told there needed to be more meetings with editors. At the end of one month, the reporter finally informed me that he had not had a chance to look at it yet.
It has been several months now, and the mainstream media is still silent. I had to become my own reporter to reveal the situation to the public.
Special relationships appear to abound in this city, but I am certain the same exists throughout the country. The city itself and the organization as a whole cannot be blamed.
People who take control and believe they have ownership at their places of employment are at fault. They do as they wish without regard to ethics. In their opinions, their positions grant them the right to serve themselves with the resources available. Of course, they must be removed.
I informed all TV news stations about the situation at the shelter, both before and after the executive director resigned. Yet there are no reports forthcoming.
Information was provided to a major funding source for San Antonio charitable organizations. Although the evidence I presented was strong, the representative for funding and organization of a large No-Kill Initiative wrote that they “use due diligence” and declined to consider the information. The information was also sent to high-ranking members of that same funding source, and they did not reply.
The former shelter director that left the nonprofit after allegations of misuse of funds and false reporting is now the president of her own business consulting other nonprofits.
It is as if nothing went on.
After several months, I still stand alone in revealing the truth about what has transpired here. This is not a boast; it is a declaration of despair.
I will not rest until all is revealed, but each day I hope desperately for others to fully understand the situation and step forward.
The voices of those that care more about results then special relationships – or appearing on television, in the newspapers, or at social events are needed.
Please, use whatever influence you have. Everyone no matter what his or her station is in life can make a huge impact. Your voice will make a vast difference in revealing the truth.
Further reading:
Humane Society director resigns after funds misuse and false reports alleged
No-Kill Initiative in San Antonio needs investigation and review
The truth about the San Antonio Humane Society
Accountability or Deception from the San Antonio Humane Society?
SA Humane Society to team with others while questionable activities are ignored
Investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases and their causes
Exiting nonprofit SAHS after allegations, Kathryn Bice now consults nonprofits
San Antonio No-Kill Initiative needs to initiate investigation (added 1/16/12)
