Auburn Valley Humane Society staff allege CEO misconduct and toxic work environment

In a tense and emotional atmosphere at the Auburn City Council meeting, employees from the Auburn Valley Humane Society voiced serious concerns regarding the management and operational practices of their organization. The meeting, held on February 4, 2025, became a platform for staff members to share their distress over a deteriorating work environment and allegations of misconduct by CEO Phil Morgan.

One employee, who has dedicated over a decade to animal welfare, described a troubling exodus of staff, including six veterinarians, due to the CEO's management style and the removal of best practices. This departure has left the shelter struggling to provide adequate veterinary care, particularly amid a national shortage of veterinarians. The employee expressed feelings of helplessness and fear, citing the CEO's threats of retaliation against staff.

Another staff member, Veil Pitot, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the toxic work environment that has emerged in recent months. Despite raising concerns to the board and human resources, Pitot reported a lack of response, leaving employees feeling unsupported and unheard.

Sarah Shire, a direct report of Morgan, recounted a shocking incident where the CEO allegedly discharged a taser in a crowded lobby, creating a dangerous situation for staff and visitors. She described feeling intimidated and physically threatened when Morgan placed her in a choke hold, an act she deemed unacceptable and abusive. Shire's attempts to report the incident to HR were met with inadequate follow-up, further compounding her distress.

Jessica Jones, who recently resigned, supported her colleagues' claims, recounting unprofessional behavior from Morgan and questioning the legality of his decisions regarding the shelter's operations. She emphasized the need for accountability and a thorough investigation into the management practices at the Auburn Valley Humane Society.

As the meeting concluded, the collective call for an investigation into the shelter's leadership resonated strongly, leaving council members and attendees with a pressing sense of urgency to address the serious allegations raised. The future of the Auburn Valley Humane Society hangs in the balance as employees seek support and a return to a safe and effective environment for both staff and the animals they serve.