State-Journal.com - UPDATE: Humane Society board president resigns

John Forbes, president of the embattled Franklin County Humane Society’s board of directors, has resigned.

Forbes spoke to board members Tuesday night and sent an official letter of resignation Wednesday morning, according to board member Matthew Kleinert.

“I would like to thank Mr. Forbes for his service to the Franklin County Humane Society,” Kleinert said.

“Although I have only known him for a short time, I found him to be an honest man whose concern was for the welfare of the animals in our community. I do not feel it is my place to comment on the reasoning behind Mr. Forbes’ decision to step down.”

Concern over the nonprofit animal shelter’s operations came to a head after Copper, a Shiba Inu, was turned away in early July after she was misidentified as a coyote. Police removed Copper from the shelter, and let her go. She is still missing.

Forbes at that time said he supported the action because housing a coyote at the shelter could have caused it to be closed.

A number of issues about the management and operation of the shelter have come to light. They’ve been aired at City Commission meetings and with county Judge-Executive Ted Collins, First District Magistrate Jill Robinson and County Attorney Rick Sparks.

“I’m not sure why Mr. Forbes defended the shelter manager twice, but I do feel he is a good man who has been caught up in a bad situation,” said Trudi Johnson, who has been representing a group seeking reforms at the shelter.

Bill Kirkland, the attorney representing the Humane Society, has termed the matter over Copper a mistake and apologized for it.

Forbes’ resignation leaves only five members on the 11-member board.

“Through this trying process, I have been amazed and touched at the tremendous level of concern and passion our community has shown for the animals in the society’s care,” Kleinert said in an e-mail to The State Journal.

“While I cannot speak for the Franklin County Humane Society Board itself, it is my personal hope that the Board begins the process of filling its current vacancies as soon as possible.

“I invite the community, especially those interested in volunteering with the Humane Society and/or seeking membership on the Humane Society Board to attend the open forum at the public library this Saturday, where I hope that we can begin this process.”

The forum will be Saturday from 3-5 p.m. at the Paul Sawyier Public Library.

24.	Posted by gemini August 13, 2010
	Posted by smb53621 22 minutes ago Gemini- It is NOT that I do not care about animals. It is a sad situation that happened to Copper. My point is that all the people who are homeless that have no place to live, no food or clothing, I do not see people helping them. What about all the animals that are still being abused by their owners, I do not see anybody stopping that. Apparently you do not keep up the new because they just found 150 dogs in Clark County, that were eating off of other dead dogs and some of them were in freezers. GEMINI responds: There are multiple social programs for humans to plug in to! There's enough evidence thru this town that some people just don't give a damn to work! They plug into welfare and continue on it. I've met them; seen it. There are mental health institutions and programs. There are soup kitchens. Salvation Armies. The Simon House (one service that just needs its participants to practice SAFE SEX and protection!!) Some people you see affected just don't go and try to pull themselves out. So, SMB53621, maybe YOU don't keep up with what's around you because there are manyyyyy FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND PRIVATE CHARITIES TRYING TO HELP THOSE "HUMANS" WHO DO DESERVE AND EVEN THOSE WHO ARE JUST PLAIN LAZY. Now--what's your point on this one? Secondly, I do MY PART IN exposing people whom I SEE abusing animals--hello, BIG BOY!!! And I URGE you to do your part when you see abuse. Spread the word to stop abuse of animals, SMB53621!! Uh--where do you get the notion that I don't keep up with news because of the Clark County situation???? Your "comments of points" lead nowhere!

23.	Posted by smb53621 August 13, 2010
	Gemini- It is NOT that I do not care about animals. It is a sad situation that happened to Copper. My point is that all the people who are homeless that have no place to live, no food or clothing, I do not see people helping them. What about all the animals that are still being abused by their owners, I do not see anybody stopping that. Apparently you do not keep up the new because they just found 150 dogs in Clark County, that were eating off of other dead dogs and some of them were in freezers. AND BY THE WAY I AM NOT STOPPING ANYBODY'S LOVE FOR ANIMALS. I do hope that Copper is found and the FCHS does improve. But you people are putting everyone down who works for the HUMANE SOCIETY and it is not everyones fault that works there. Were you there that day when they brought the dog in? Maybe people should take better care of their animals when they are going away!!! No they want to put all the blame on somebody else.

22.	Posted by gemini August 13, 2010
	12. Posted by bobabeam1 August 12, 2010 Perhaps the people who have been complaining so loudly about the handling of stray and unwanted pets should pick up the ball and present their credentials for handling of this shelter and volunteer for membership on the board or for the vacant position of manager. GEMINI RESPONDS: hAA! Thank you Mr. BobaBeam! Gee, WE HADN'T THOUGHT OF THAT! Now, please change your glasses you're wearing and look hard. You will see that we're trying the best, enpowered way WE know how in picking up THE BALLS AND TRYING to get credentialed people inside the FCHS, AND to find ways to network the FCHS with others who have a no-kill policy, AND to support convincing the FCHS to practice fostering of the animals (cats and dogs or what-the-hell-ever)..... Your post's approach is immature.