I am writing to you not only as a concerned community member, donor, and former employee but as an advocate for ethical and humane treatment of all beings in all capacities at the Monmouth County SPCA. Recent events have brought to light serious concerns regarding the leadership exhibited by Executive Director Ross Licitra and Associate Executive Director Barbara Lovell. Specifically, I am deeply troubled by an audio recording capturing a nearly 20-minute verbal assault on an employee under their leadership.
This behavior is unacceptable, particularly within an organization that stands for the compassionate treatment of all beings. The actions heard in this recording are not only unprofessional but indicative of a toxic workplace culture detrimental to the staff and the overall mission of the SPCA. Such conduct undermines the integrity and ethical foundation upon which the Monmouth County SPCA is built.
This is Mr. Licitra's modus operandi—he bullies and scares his subordinates into silence. I know this because I experienced it firsthand. Employees are afraid of the potential for Mr. Licitra to weaponize the SPCA's police force or utilize his political position in retaliation. As a result, the animal care team has dwindled down to 11 employees, with one of them recently submitting their two-week notice following the surfacing of the audio. I now have reason to believe you are operating beyond your capacity for care.
Attached is a copy of the animal care schedule for this week. As you can see, most days are significantly understaffed with open shifts. For example, on Wednesday, 55 working man-hours would mean the maximum capacity for care is 220 animals. This calculation is based on the ASV's Guidelines for Standards of Care (2022 edition), which stipulate that animals require at least 15 minutes of care per day. These guidelines are widely accepted as the gold standard in animal welfare. I do not know the current population, but I do not remember a time when it was less than 220 animals. Being the greatest animal welfare agency in the State of New Jersey, as touted by Mr. Licitra, and consistently operating above capacity for care are mutually exclusive.
The culture created by Mr. Licitra and Ms. Lovell has welcomed a revolving door. You can't keep staff members in animal care because they are burned out, ridiculed, and reminded they are replaceable until they can't take the abuse any longer. Many are faced with internal conflict: do I leave these animals who need me, or do I stand up for myself? Many choose to remain silent and endure the abuse. Leadership's inability to staff the shelter is a colossal failure and a great risk to their staff members and the animals they care for.
When I began with the Monmouth County SPCA, it was animal-focused and the culture could be described as “one big family.” It is now financially focused and serves more as a prop for Mr. Licitra to leverage politically for his own advantage. While the organization is financially in the black, this culture is not sustainable, especially when you rely so heavily on donors who will hear this recording and think twice the next time they are solicited for donations.
I do not write this letter lightly. I know Mr. Licitra personally—in fact, he was at my wedding. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I urge the Board of Directors to take immediate and decisive action. I am calling for the resignation or removal of Mr. Ross Licitra and Ms. Barbara Lovell from their positions as Executive Director and Associate Executive Director, respectively. It is crucial that leadership within the Monmouth County SPCA not only espouses values of compassion and respect but also embodies these principles in every interaction within the workplace.
Additionally, I implore the board to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the leadership practices at the Monmouth County SPCA to ensure a nurturing and respectful work environment. Should the investigation find you are operating beyond capacity for care, I demand you acquire the resources to provide basic care to your animals or transfer the excess animals to a shelter that can.
As it is written in James 5:4: "Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty."
Thank you for your attention to this grave matter. I trust that the board will act swiftly to address these concerns and restore confidence in the leadership at the Monmouth County SPCA. I look forward to your prompt response and to seeing the necessary changes implemented.

Your friend in animal welfare,
John Caponetta Sr.