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carmen sanders's avatar

BULLSEYE article!!! Very important documentation.

Outstanding expose of massive grift and tactics to extract taxpayer and donor funds while abandoning commitments to the detriment of animals and communities.

Phoenix Maricopa County is similar. Arizona legislators are inert, incompetent, submissive and can't perform OVERSIGHT on AZHS and pass basic corrective legislation on uncontrolled breeding and s/n funding. Bloated overpaid AZHS execs (CEO 397K +++annual compensation) catering to Scottsdale elite fundraisers while Maricopa County Shelters a widely acknowledged humane catastrophe with exploding stray populations in other counties also.

This is another bullseye article with important documentation needing broad exposure. Thank you Ed and contributing critics!

We'll make contact with authorities and good luck in Sacramento....we'll be watching from Arizona!

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Carmen—I really appreciate your passion and perspective. The parallels with Arizona are striking and reinforce how widespread these issues are when oversight breaks down. Grateful to stand alongside advocates like you who are pushing for real reform and keeping the spotlight where it belongs.

Suzanne Deal's avatar

Thank you for summing up all of the misdeeds of the San Diego Humane Society. I didn't know that their spay/neuter program only had 20 slots per month!!!! Spay/neuter is the obvious answer to pet overpopulation. With $91 million in reserves, they can't fund more slots? A former coworker had a female pitbull mix puppy she got from her friend (out of a litter of 13). She ended up with an unaltered male dog too. She couldn't afford to get them fixed (no availability at SDHS) and just keeps them apart in a tiny apartment when the female goes in heat. Of the 13 puppies given away in the original litter, how many were fixed? Probably none. I have a friend who also has a female pit-bull mix. She tried to get it fixed at the SDHS and was unable to get an appointment. She takes the dog to a dog park and lets it run free. This is why the San Diego Humane Society is full of dogs. So many unaltered dogs having accidental litters owned by people who make less than $38K a year...

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Suzanne. You’ve illustrated exactly why limited spay/neuter access is such a critical—and overlooked—part of this conversation. Stories like the ones you shared make the consequences real. With the resources SDHS has, there's no excuse for not investing meaningfully in prevention.

eah's avatar

$38,000 PER MONTH salary??? That's insane, even in San Diego! (I live 60 miles from NYC, so I'm very familiar with high cost-of-living.) How many people in San Diego area make that kind of monthly salary working paid & unpaid overtime, 2 or 3 jobs, etc.? When so much animal rescue is carried out by unpaid volunteers who spend their own money to do it? Cut all those executive salaries by 2/3 to start with. Then put that money toward compensating vet staff at market rates to do spay-neuter!

Robin P's avatar

Get the BFS OUT of animal control and the shelter scam industry! KCMO did right by kicking out its incompetent pitbull pushing KCPP ACO and we will now move to ACO run by the police department which will now focus on actually removing dangerous animals from the community they should prioritize protecting instead of “live release” statistics!

Ed Boks's avatar

Thanks, Robin. It’s encouraging to hear about communities like KCMO taking bold steps toward real public safety and accountability. Shifting the focus back to responsible enforcement and away from metrics games is exactly what more cities need to consider.

Annoula Wylderich's avatar

Dare I say "corrupt" comes to mind when I read this article. This is the type of organization that gives others a bad name; and their peers who do operate ethically and responsibly should all call them out. I was disgusted when I read the details, knowing how animals suffer while admin is grossly overpaid. These folks are worse than animal abusers because they betray and exploit the very beings whom they have been tasked to help.

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Annoula. Your passion for accountability in animal welfare comes through loud and clear. It’s heartbreaking when those entrusted with protecting animals instead prioritize image and influence. I hope this piece encourages more voices—especially from within the industry—to speak up and demand better.

Marc E. Spark's avatar

This is a fantastic, well-researched piece and you've woven clarity, authority, and compassion throughout. San Diego needs more journalism like this.

Have you considered pitching this to the Union-Tribune or a local news outlet? This story deserves wider attention to spark reform in how San Diego handles animal welfare.

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you so much, Marc—that means a lot. Animal Politics is LA-based but reaches an international audience, and we’re definitely exploring ways to broaden the reach of this piece. I agree: San Diego deserves transparency and real reform when it comes to animal welfare. Appreciate you being part of that conversation.

Kelly Paolisso's avatar

The news media is incredibly biased in San Diego (not that we are alone in this). NBC in Tucson and Riverside have been examples of true reporting. Sharing facts, not fearful of advertising funding cuts, and asks hard questions. We do not have that in San Diego but we desperately need it. The UT is the closest we come to non biased and they still write fluffy pieces but Emily Alveranga did do a great job asking questions about the 318 and reporting on it. That is why people like Ed are so desperately needed. Word has to get out about the corruption.

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kelly. I agree—independent, fact-based journalism is essential, especially on issues as important as animal welfare. I appreciate your kind words and support, and I’m grateful for reporters like Emily Alveranga who ask tough questions and dig deeper. The more we can encourage honest reporting and open dialogue, the better chance we have of creating real change. Thank you for being part of this effort!

Suzanne Deal's avatar

New fluffy piece in Saturday's UT. SDHS & the Del Mar fair are pairing up for Super Adoption themed fair. No mention that all of the cute farm animals on display in the barns are going to be auctioned off for slaughter to applause for the kids who raised them. Nothing about the turkey legs grilling on giant smokey BBQs and the human barbarians chomping on them...of course they will do the yearly article on the chicken sandwich served on doughnuts, wrapped in kool-aid flavored churros and bacon, etc...

Suzanne Deal's avatar

I volunteered at two dog adoption events at the Del Mar Fair (which the fair holds every year in the petting zoo area). One year we adopted out zero dogs. The other year we adopted out two. Good luck with that.

Suzanne Deal's avatar

Yes, please! So many people are hoodwinked by the "no-kill" designation. There is currently a post on Nextdoor about the Humane Society "going away" due to budget cuts. The poster encouraged everyone to go to the City Council meeting to complain. The San Diego Union Tribune and local news does so many puff pieces on the SDHS.

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you for bringing this up, Suzanne! You’re absolutely right—there’s a lot of confusion around what “no-kill” really means, and unfortunately, the label is often used for PR while the real issues go unreported. It’s so important for people to look beyond the headlines and ask tough questions about where the money goes and what’s actually happening to animals in our community. I appreciate you helping to spread awareness and encourage more honest conversations about these critical issues!

Kelly Paolisso's avatar

The amount of fear mongering SDHS puts out is ridiculous. They have the funds to do right by animals and solve the problem. They simply don’t want to give up their cash cow because nothing opens pocket books like a crisis and seeing sad dog and cat eyes staring at you. They have not one, but two, VPs of Philanthropy and Communications, which is how they control the narrative and rake in millions a year. The fact to no one lost their job over the small pet transport tells you who they are and what they are trying to protect. If anyone did their job as incompetently as Jessica Des Lauriers Sales, they would have been fired. One of the commitments they made after learning the animals were “frozen off” was to end the sale of small pets in pet stores. When asked about that recently they said “we will share and promote but we are not doing any of the heavy lifting.” Of course they won’t because they have a PetCo area on their main campus. They will take PetCo Love’s money while making empty promise just to look good. It’s all smoke and mirrors. Protect the empire and funds at all cost should be their mission statement because compassion for animals is a lie. Their board of directors supports them blindly (or maybe they are as complicit) and refuses to engage with the public. Zero transparency with our tax money.

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Kelly—your insight and detail are powerful. You’ve highlighted exactly why transparency and accountability matter, especially when public trust and animal lives are at stake. It’s voices like yours that help cut through the smoke and push this conversation forward.

Tina Lopez's avatar

Just to clarify—my concerns aren't directed at the staff or volunteers at MCACC or Arizona Humane. From what I've seen, many of them genuinely care and are deeply passionate about helping animals. It's all the other systemic and bureaucratic issues that are frustrating.

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you for clarifying, Tina. I completely agree—many staff and volunteers at MCACC and AZH are incredibly dedicated and do amazing work for the animals. The real frustration is with the larger systemic and bureaucratic challenges that make their jobs harder. I appreciate you highlighting that distinction!

Tina Lopez's avatar

Wow, sounds just like AZ Humane and MCACC in many respects. It's just awful that these organizations never do right by the animals or the animal welfare advocates.

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Apr 21, 2025Edited
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Candy Schumann's avatar

Don't forget that SDHS recently gloated in one of their many, many fundraising emails that they had nearly reached their $250 MILLION fundraising goal. You read that correctly: $250 MILLION!!! And, yet, Weitzman, Dougherty and teams of PR and communication personnel are crying crocodile tears over their lack of resources.

It's been my observation during the 30 years that that I've been volunteering that animal welfare has never been the priority at SDHS. The mission has been about amassing dollars and building a behemoth organization through gaslighting, lobbying and lawyering. It's well past time for transparency and accountability. Now is the time for the City of San Diego to establish a forensic audit and find out where and how our taxpayer dollars are being spent. And, bring back the County to provide animal care and control. They did a much better job PLUS they understood that prevention of pet overpopulation is the solution. It would be interesting to compare how many spay/neuter rebate vouchers were distributed by the County compared to what SDHS has distributed during its reign. I developed and urged adoption of the voucher program with the Board of Supervisors. The SD Vet-Med Association was on board and it was very successful with the community - providing an incentive plus educating the public about responsible pet care. There were no strings attached to the vouchers - you just needed to be a resident served by the SD County Department of Animal Services.

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Candy—your long view and direct experience bring vital context to this conversation. That contrast between fundraising success and on-the-ground impact is exactly why we need transparency, audits, and a return to prevention-based solutions. Your leadership on the voucher program is a reminder of what real community-focused animal welfare looks like.

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Apr 21, 2025
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Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Tina. You’ve captured exactly how disillusioning this system can be—especially for those who’ve spent years trying to make it better. The burnout is real, but your voice still matters. Naming these patterns and pushing for truth is what keeps the pressure on. You’re not alone in this.

Kelly Paolisso's avatar

It’s so disheartening the amount of money put into animal sheltering and have the outcomes we have. AZ Humane had 2 large hoarding cases of rabbits prior to the 318. The guy (Colten Jones) HSSA gave the small pets to commented about the rabbit hoarding “they found my stash house.” While others in his circle made crude comments about wanting them as feeders. A few of us tried to follow up on that and were told they were sent to rescues and the medical assistant program. The numbers didn’t add up and some of the rescues they claim to have sent them to were no longer in operation. I would bet anything AZ Humane also supplied Jones with animals to feed to snakes.

Ed Boks's avatar

That’s deeply disturbing, Kelly. Thank you for staying on top of these details and pushing for truth. When organizations dodge accountability and the numbers don’t add up, it’s a red flag—and voices like yours are essential in making sure those red flags don’t get ignored.

Suzanne Deal's avatar

This article really lit a fire in me. If anyone is in San Diego, we are going to protest at the San Diego Humane Society's "Walk for Animals" on May 3rd at Liberty Station from 8:00-9:30. The website shows they are halfway to their fundraising goal of $250K. Last year the stage was not covered in the back and it was the perfect opportunity to stand behind the stage and hold up protest signs while Gary Weitzman gave his speech.

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you for your passion and for sharing this, Suzanne! I’m inspired to see the community coming together and taking action for greater transparency and accountability. Wishing you and everyone at the protest a safe and impactful event—your voices are making a difference for San Diego’s animals. Please keep me posted on how it goes!

Marc E. Spark's avatar

To contact UC Davis about an audit of the grant monies earmarked for spay & neuter by San Diego Humane Society - please contact:

Koret Shelter

Medicine Program

sheltermedicine@ucdavis.edu

Ed Boks's avatar

Thanks, Marc. It’s important to note that Koret is actually part of the Consortium, which is why we need a truly independent audit of how these grant funds are being used. Accountability is long overdue.

Marc E. Spark's avatar

What about reporting to them to the state vet board? What about escalating federally? Lastly, where is the Union Tribune at on reporting this insidiousness?

Ed Boks's avatar

The State Controller should be interested in this, but given CA politics, I don't there is anyone awake at the wheel...

Marc E. Spark's avatar

This is alarming. If UC Davis and the Koret Shelter Medicine Program are responsible for administering and overseeing these funds, yet remain silent while grant money is misused or withheld from actual spay/neuter work — then we’re not just looking at local failure, we’re looking at institutional complicity. The media should be asking hard questions, and the public deserves real answers. At this point, we need oversight from outside the UC Davis Consortium. Should we escalate this federally?

Kevin Chambers's avatar

$38,000 a month is unbelievable!

Marc E. Spark's avatar

Hi again Ed! I wanted to share my video I uploaded where I share my thoughts AND read your article. It’s going on FB, LinkedIn, Instagram, Tik Tok, X and here it is on YouTube for your review https://youtu.be/Bf-UYB1whg4?si=MCDF4ZoJHE4Pt5ob

Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you so much, Marc! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my article and share your thoughtful video across so many platforms. I'm deeply humbled and honored.

I’m looking forward to watching it and hearing your perspective. Thanks again for helping to keep this important conversation going! (BTW: My last name is pronounced with a long o - Boks rhymes with Spokes... ;-)

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Apr 21, 2025
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Ed Boks's avatar

That’s powerful—thank you, Christine, for taking the fight straight to Sacramento. Lawmakers need to hear from those who truly represent the animals and the public. Wishing you strength and clarity at the Capitol—your voice is exactly what’s needed at the table.

Annoula Wylderich's avatar

Good luck, Christine! Keep us posted.