Multiple Auburn Valley Humane Society employees tell council CEO created ‘‘toxic’’ workplace; city schedules meeting with agency board

Several current and former employees of Auburn Valley Humane Society (AVHS) told the Auburn City Council on Feb. 3 that the shelter’s chief executive officer, Philip Morgan, created a ‘‘toxic’’ workplace and that the organization is struggling to provide veterinary and shelter services.

Jennifer Haskins, a shelter employee for more than four years, told the council she reported repeated misconduct to human resources, the AVHS board and an independent investigator. “The organization has lost the trust of many of its employees, resulting in a mass exodus,” Haskins said. She described unwanted physical contact, racial slurs used in conversation and instructions that she characterized as coaching illegal hiring practices.

The reports continued through the public comment period. Emily Madison, who said she has worked at AVHS for three years and has 11 years of animal-welfare experience, told the council that “all of the shelter, vet care staff and vet staff…