Animal advocates protest euthanasia use at Cedar Valley shelter

Multiple firings at the Cedar Valley Humane Society in recent months have sparked rumors and accusations about euthanasia practices.

Board members say they're caring for the animals and have presented statistics showing that the number euthanized has declined over the past few months.

However, a passion for animals and a distrust of the shelter's leadership prompted dozens of protesters to spend Sunday afternoon holding signs along Highway 13 in Linn County.

“It's our way to be the voice of those that had no choice,” said Cathy Boyes, who was fired from the shelter. “They are euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals.”

Longtime donor Julie Ridge said, “The board has to be accountable. The board has to do something about this and stop it, because this does not need to be happening.”

Protesters allege the shelter does not fill the role of a safe place for animals in need of homes.

“When I'm hearing the numbers of euthanasia going on, that's not a resource anymore,” Angela Brubaker said. “We need more resources.”

Animal advocates say the protest proves the community wants a response to the allegations.

“Maybe getting a new board. Maybe new management. Maybe a new shelter. This is a big, big city,” Boyes said, “We're not done yet. We're going to keep trying to make our voice heard until something is done.”

Despite their complaints about the Humane Society board, protesters said they hope people continue to adopt animals from the shelter.

Board President Bernie Lettington and Executive Director Zach Melton say they take excellent care of the dogs and cats at the shelter.

“I think there's just a lot of people that don't have all the facts and are jumping to conclusions and a lot of speculation. It's needless,” Lettington said.

Melton said, “I really don't know where the accusations are coming from ... where the heightened sense of worry is coming from.

“... If they feel that passionate and feel they need to be out there raising that level of awareness around those issues, we can't stop them.”

-- Mark Geary, KCRG-TV9