The Workers Speak Out

Yesterday, the pseudo-sanctuary's (ps) directors informed the workers that later in the afternoon, the board would like to speak with the employees, without the male and female director present. The workers were told they would be interviewed one at a time and no attorneys were allowed.

Needless to say, the rules changed once again, because the meeting consisted of the one board member present, three members on the phone, and of course, the ps' attorney. The attorney was supposedly there to "take notes."

I was told that the attorney kept making faces each time an employee made a negative comment about the male and female directors, that it became such a distraction, two employees actually stopped talking and addressed the attorney's bad behavior.

Three employees told the board exactly what was happening at the ps and two employees, wrote letters to the board explaining why they did not attend and what their thoughts were regarding the male and female directors' work performance.

I was saddened, but not surprised, to learn the two most senior animal caretakers did not participate in the meeting. I don't know if they also wrote letters, but it would not surprise me if they just sat on the sidelines and let the other workers defend the animals. Sure they have a lot to lose financially, but that is NO excuse for not standing up for the animals.

The board meeting lasted several hours and no doubt the members had a lot to think about at its conclusion. I was told the three board members on the phone seemed receptive to the information provided by the workers, but the one member that was there in person (the one with the criminal record and apparently is having a "sexual relationship" with the directors' daughter--the same daughter that allegedly collects a paycheck for very little work performed) asked questions normally posed by a "defense attorney." It would not surprise me if the attorney prepped this board member before the meeting.

Now the board is exactly where I was at three years ago -- they know the truth about what is transpiring at the ps. Question is what will they do now? Do they turn the reins over to the workers and fire the male and female director or do they do absolutely nothing? Did the board even consider the animals' welfare? Do they even care about the animals? When was the last time any of the board members spend a day with the animals? Have they even been to the non-regulated, non-inspected property?

Meanwhile the ps is dangerously close to violating the USDA agreement. It doesn't look like the perimeter fence will be installed by September 30th at the non-regulated, non-inspected property.

It is good to know the workers now understand what I did and why I did what I did. It was never personal -- it was all for the animals. I learned the current board is still upset that I went to the media -- but hey! I would not have gone to the media if they took my allegations seriously. Instead, they followed like sheep behind the female and male director and took absolutely no initiative to learn the truth about what was happening to the animals. In my opinion, this entire board needs to go and a new professional board (with no family members, current/past lovers, or friends ties) installed to overlook the ps.

So now we all have to wait and see what the board will do next. I pray the board makes the right decision for the very first time ever. Will this story have a happy ending?