Peninsula Humane Society whistleblowers speak out

A series of haunting photos and videos revealing poor living conditions for animals that resulted in suffering of some were released by employees of Peninsula Humane Society in San Mateo, who are demanded improvements. The workers from compiled evidence in an internal investigation on the conditions of the building they work in, animal kennels and the lack of staff available to care for the animals. Staff had asked management to inspect the kennels prior to the incident, but no improvements were made, said Dylan Skiles, an animal patrol officer. [...] Lisa Vanbuskirk, the senior vice president of development at the facility, denied many of the claims presented by the employees. Jill Bletz, a lead adoption counselor at the shelter, said there is a lack of staff in charge of general care and feeding of fragile animals. Other complaints included the lack of air conditioning in animal transport trucks resulting in animal deaths, animals being mistakenly euthanized and a crumbling building. “This is very typical from corporate to blame the employees,” said Tim Jenkins, a union representative from Teamsters Local 856 that led the news conference, adding that the employees had reached out to White weeks prior to the news conference asking for a sit down to discuss their concerns.