A scandal unfolds as the Humane Society of Southern Arizona reveals that 250 small animals, transferred from the San Diego Humane Society, were likely fed to reptiles.
On a hazy summer morning, the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) prepared to send over 300 small animals to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) in hopes of finding them loving homes. However, what was meant to be a hopeful journey turned into a scandal of epic proportions. Over three months later, it was revealed that approximately 250 of the animals had disappeared, with evidence suggesting that they were fed to reptiles, either alive or frozen. This shocking revelation has led to high-level departures, multiple investigations, and the potential for legal action. The betrayal by peers in the animal rescue world has left the CEO of SDHS, Gary Weitzman, filled with regret and disbelief.
The Largest Transfer in SDHS History
The transfer of animals from SDHS to HSSA was unprecedented. SDHS, one of the oldest and largest shelter organizations in the United States, is typically the safety-net shelter for smaller organizations. The August transfer was a first for SDHS, as they were operating at 160 percent capacity and struggling to care for the small animals that had been in their care for nearly a year. When HSSA offered to take in the animals, SDHS saw it as a lifeline. However, the assurances made by HSSA, particularly by then-chief operating officer Christian Gonzalez, were far from the truth.
Questions Arise and Red Flags Are Raised
Within weeks of the animals’ arrival in Arizona, questions began to surface. Despite the large shipment being well-publicized in the animal welfare community, there was no evidence of the animals being put up for adoption or even being processed by HSSA. Concerned individuals, such as Kelly Paolisso, a psychologist and physical therapist active in the animal rescue community, reached out to both organizations for answers but received conflicting stories. As local news stations investigated the mystery, HSSA’s CEO, Steve Farley, insisted that the animals were in good hands and living their best lives. However, the lack of transparency and evidence raised more red flags.
The Truth Unravels
As pressure mounted, HSSA’s board ousted Farley and Gonzalez in October. SDHS launched an internal investigation and hired private investigators to find the missing animals. Animal welfare activists, including Paolisso, conducted their own investigation and discovered that the animals had been given to a family in Apache Junction, Arizona. The family, identified as brothers Trevor and Colten Jones, operated a reptile breeding business called the Fertile Turtle. The Fertile Turtle was not registered as an animal rescue and had reportedly advertised selling animals for reptile food. The evidence pointed to the animals being dead or already consumed by reptiles.
Seeking Accountability and Justice
Both SDHS and HSSA are now working together to find answers and hold those responsible accountable. Farley, Gonzalez, and other former employees could face civil action, and local prosecutors will decide whether criminal charges are warranted. SDHS and HSSA are also reviewing their transfer and vetting protocols to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, the biggest question that remains is how animals entrusted to those who claim to care about their welfare could meet such a tragic end.
Conclusion:
The disappearance of 250 small animals from the San Diego Humane Society, likely fed to reptiles by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, has sent shockwaves through the animal rescue community. The scandal has exposed the dark underbelly of an industry built on trust and compassion. As SDHS and HSSA work to seek justice and prevent future tragedies, the lingering question remains: how could those who profess to care about animal welfare betray the very animals they were meant to protect? The search for answers continues as the animal rescue world grapples with the devastating consequences of this unimaginable betrayal.
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