Due to the unethical business practices that have occurred under Executive Director Shelbi Waters at Souris Valley Animal Shelter and now the current board, we the people of Minot and surrounding communities are petitioning for the removal of Shelbi Waters from Souris Valley Animal Shelter and major overhaul of the entire board. SVAS policies continue to be an issue as of 5/1/2023 and we are petitioning for complete change!

Souris Valley Animal Shelter had a reputation as a pillar in the community as a reputable place for surrendered/rescued animals to have a sanctuary. Since Shelbi Waters was elected as Executive Director, many issues with transparency, ethics and animal welfare have arisen some of which will be detailed below. The current board is continuing these policies implemented by Executive Director and it’s harming our communities. 

1. The constant transports of out of state animals:

This issue is creating an animal welfare issue in Minot. The over 250 animals transported from 9 different states into the city of Minot continues to affect the community with overpopulation. The lack of understanding by Shelbi Waters of the overpopulation and the health of incoming animals into Minot is concerning. The transports are affecting the local veterinary services, local rescues, rescues of the surrounding communities and every animal in the area by adding to the overpopulation; straining the already delicate balance in place. 

2. The “back door” to the city: 

Shelbi Waters behind closed doors used the city clerk to obtain public records for private citizens. Shelbi Waters did not obtain these public records through ROI process. Shelbi Waters and the clerk would then send the records to each other “for entertainment purposes” and then mock these citizens. A private public records search uncovered this unethical behavior and the abuse of the ROI process. The city clerk resigned after this behavior was brought to the city managers attention and it brings into question Shelbi Waters ethics as Executive Director of a nonprofit. 

3. Use of domestic violence stories to gain grant and public speaking event: 

During an interview which was posted online, Shelbi Waters breached confidentiality contract by using a citizen of Minots personal domestic violence story to gain grant and appearance at public speaking event. Not only is this unethical, but extremely insensitive to the victims in this event. 

4. The slandering of Minot City Pound and city animal control: 

Shelbi Waters has continually slandered the pound by quoting misinformation. On several occasions in public forums, Shelbi has quoted inaccurate statistics in regards to the pound. Shelbi Waters has been on record as having interest in the pound contract and is using these platforms to spread misinformation to obtain the contract. This is not only unethical, but raises an integrity issue with her business approaches to obtain contracts, donations and grants. In addition to this issue, Shelbi Waters has slandered the animal control officers repeatedly to their supervisors. 

5. The continual slandering and coordinated media attacks on local rescues:

Shelbi Waters has orchestrated attacks attacks on For Belles Sake Rescue and other local rescues. For one example is the coordinated email and media attack on FBS for hosting a Minot surrender event. FBS invited SVAS to the event in which they declined the invitation. Shelbi Waters then attacked FBS online, through email and through the media to discredit the event even though SVAS had attended similar events in the past. This also brings to light the lack of community support SVAS has shown since Shelbi Waters has become ED. 

6. Grants and donations: 

The lack of transparency in regards to the incoming grants and donations has prompted several citizens to file for an audit with DOJ, IRS and FTC. 

7. Cease and Desist Orders: 

Shelbi Waters in assistance with Souris Valley Animal Shelter has issued several orders to businesses and citizens of Minot and surrounding communities. These orders were directly issued for citizens raising concerns over the business practices of Souris Valley Animal Shelter. The orders have alienated tax payers from voicing their concerns to the Board and zero resolutions to these concerns have occurred. Shelbi Waters also contacted the police department to have charges brought against citizens for complaints against her business practices. This has created serious ethical concerns with community. 

 In conclusion, the recent events of this pillar attacking local nonprofits and community members has tarnished this image and is tarnishing the animal rescue community as well as citizens of Minot. Their lack of community support has diminished since Shelbi Waters has been elected into the Executive Director position and this needs to be resolved.  The animal community in Minot and surrounding communities need to have a voice…a voice of reason and this petition will give them one.