Volunteer Exposes Animal Shelter

Last week, a former volunteer blew the whistle on the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter. Dianne Doyle sent the media her letter, which appeared on Brad Morton’s Dispatch, http://missionviejodispatch.com/animals/animal-volunteer-accuses-shelter

Among Doyle’s statements, “We are instructed to lie to the public when we are asked why we have so few dogs by saying we have a high adoption rate when in reality it is because they turn away so many dogs by owners wanting to surrender them or by the public who find stray animals.” Doyle also reveals the shelter’s high euthanasia rate, which is contrary to the shelter’s public image of a no-kill facility.

Immediately jumping into the fray on the Dispatch was Sharon Cody. Cody and her minions launched personal attacks against Doyle. As a problem for Cody, many Mission Viejo residents have firsthand experience that support Doyle’s remarks. How many community members have been turned away when they tried to take an animal to the shelter? The place is half-empty, and it does not provide services as advertised. One of the biggest problems is Cody herself, according to the volunteers who have worked there. Cody, who has attended public meetings and attacked anyone who disagrees with her, is widely known for her abusive comments and attitude.

A former animal shelter volunteer commented to this blog, “My wife and I volunteered at the animal shelter because we love animals, but was impossible to work there. We had a run-in with Sharon Cody, and we didn’t go back. Animal lovers should connect with the private shelters, where they can make a difference and be respected for their work.”