We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the leadership and operational practices at the Humane Society of Catawba County (HSCC). Despite HSCC’s mission to “promote animal welfare in our community by providing shelter and compassionate care to homeless companion animals,” numerous firsthand accounts from former employees and volunteers reveal a troubling disconnect between these stated goals and the organization’s internal environment.

These stories come directly from people who gave their names publicly — all are confirmed to be real individuals with firsthand knowledge. While we are withholding names here for privacy, we are not withholding the truth. These are their words, and their pain.

Testimonies Highlighting Serious Concerns

• Former Registered Veterinary Technician:

“I estimated in those last nine months that I euthanized approximately 3,000 animals — from kittens and puppies to dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons, and possums.”

This number stands in direct contradiction to HSCC’s public claim that “no adoptable animal will be euthanized in Catawba County.”

“A veterinarian literally walked OFF THE JOB — during spay/neuter surgery — leaving one animal anesthetized with its abdomen surgically open."

“I watched boxes of prescription medications collected by the Sheriff’s Office for destruction being inventoried and used by HSCC. I don’t know how many DEA laws were broken. Several county employees lost their jobs over this. The Director of Animal Control, who was fired, was immediately hired by Jane Bowers and still works at HSCC.”

• Former Volunteer:

“There was an employee at the Newton location caught on camera spraying chemicals around a dog that was paralyzed in the back end and too heavy to move. The dog received chemical burns so severe that it died. That same employee threw a blanket in the washing machine without checking — a puppy was inside it. That puppy drowned. County officials reviewed the footage and demanded he be banned from the Newton shelter. Jane Bowers didn’t fire him — she just moved him to the Hickory location.”

These are not small issues. These are life and death.

• Former Kennel Technician:

“I know exactly who that person is. I caught him sleeping in the clinic. He’d leave the outdoor kennels unlocked from the outside — a massive safety risk. Nothing was ever done about it.”

“Jane tried to have two dogs euthanized after I argued with her over pay and another staff member’s behavior. I still visit those dogs every other weekend to make sure they’re okay. I’m terrified they’ll be put down out of spite.”

• Former Marketing Director:

“For eight years, I watched capable women be hired, empowered, and then pushed out the moment their competence posed a threat to those in power.”

“HSCC operates entirely on donations — your donations. That money is funding a toxic workplace, where the people most dedicated to animal welfare are mistreated and pushed out.”

• Former Employee:

“Tomorrow marks the end of seven years in a deeply unhealthy work environment. I stayed only because I believed in the animals. But no one should have to fight against corruption and dysfunction just to do good work.”

• Former Director of Operations:

“I was subjected to mental and emotional abuse that pushed me into actions I regret. I was coerced into carrying out orders that I now know were wrong.”

• Former Staff Member:

“They knowingly didn’t tell a person their cat had tested positive for panleuk. That cat probably died, and other animals were likely exposed.”

“I also experienced bullying from someone who was close to Jane. That person was allowed to stomp her feet and treat others terribly, and anyone who’s come into contact with her knows how toxic it was.”

Call to Action

In light of these consistent, disturbing reports, we — the community — demand accountability and immediate structural change.

We respectfully call for:

1. The immediate removal of Jane Bowers and Emily Buckland. Their leadership has been central to the issues raised, and it is time for new direction.

2. The resignation of any board members who have protected, enabled, or failed to act on these patterns of abuse and dysfunction. Furthermore, any board members with personal ties that prevent them from remaining impartial must step down for the integrity of the organization.

3. A full leadership overhaul. This includes transparent investigations into all reported incidents, with reform implemented by a new team focused on ethics, safety, and respect.

4. The establishment of meaningful oversight. HSCC must implement systems that ensure the well-being of both animals and staff — with transparency, professionalism, and compassion at the core.

This community has spoken. These stories — heartbreaking, consistent, and credible — are too many to ignore. The Humane Society of Catawba County must earn back the public’s trust.

We believe in the mission. We believe in the animals. We believe in the people who gave years of their lives to protect both.

Now we need leaders who believe in the same.