Monday, February 5, 2018

HSUS leaders ousted over sex issues

The two top leaders of the Humane Society of the United States have lost their jobs because of allegations of sexual misconduct.

The two led campaigns against farming livestock and poultry. For example, they were leaders in the campaigns to ban sow gestation crates, cages for hens and individual pens for veal calves.

Chief executive officer Wayne Pacelle resigned on Friday, a month after Paul Shapiro, vice president of policy, left the organization, both amid accusations of sexual misconduct by multiple women who worked for them.

“The last few days have been very hard for our entire family of staff and supporters,” said Rick Bernthal, chairman of the HSUS board, in a statement Friday afternoon, announcing the group had accepted Pacelle’s resignation, effective immediately.

Earlier in the day, however, the Washington Post reported the board had decided to keep Pacelle on, even as seven of its 31 board members resigned in protest.

Accusations against both former HSUS leaders were reported initially by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, followed by reports by POLITICO and the Washington Post last week. 

It seems inconsistent and strange that these men could campaign for the welfare of animals and birds while abusing women.