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Animal advocates press council for transparency before approving Harford County Humane Society funding
Summary
Multiple speakers at the Harford County budget hearing urged the council to withhold or condition any increase to Harford County Humane Society funding until the shelter provides audited financials, rescue‑transfer data, foster metrics and a clear plan to avoid unnecessary euthanasia.
Several residents and animal‑welfare volunteers told the Harford County Council they oppose approving the Harford County Humane Society's requested budget increase without clearer accountability and data on operations.
"Amanda Hickman has not responded to any request to provide the audited financials from FY2025," said Erica Ponciak, who urged the council to require documentation and specifics before granting more taxpayer money. Ponciak and other speakers alleged recent management changes, staff eliminations and cases where animals were euthanized rather than transferred.
"This council and the public deserve a concrete list of those organizations, transfer numbers by year, and what capacity remains untapped," said Gregor, an animal‑welfare advocate representing local rescue experience. Several speakers asked the humane society to provide foster‑pool metrics and a growth plan demonstrating how additional funds would reduce euthanasia rather than sustain current operations.
Volunteers described regional foster/adoption activity and urged required performance metrics before fund increases. Monica McHale, a ShadowCats TNR volunteer, recommended low‑cost spay/neuter clinics and weekend animal‑control staffing as alternatives to increasing shelter funding without conditions.
Speakers named Harford County Humane Society executive director Amanda Hickman and referenced a former board president, George Heidelmanner. The council did not take action at the hearing; witnesses were limited to public comment and the council accepted written testimony for consideration.
The hearing raised allegations about shelter management and operational metrics; the council did not receive answers from Harford County Humane Society leadership during the public comment period and no funding decision was made at the meeting.
