Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

March 30, 2010

            Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today issued a preliminary investigative report on the Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) urging immediate financial oversight improvements and other reforms to avoid conflicts of interest by CHS Board members.

            Blumenthal also suggested that the CHS Board release sufficient financial resources to meet its core animal care responsibilities, and that it conduct a thorough review of its practices and policies to address pervasive complaints of mismanagement, problems in animal care, and unfair and hostile treatment of employees.

            Blumenthal’s ongoing investigation into allegations of misuse of charitable funds and resources has preliminarily found that CHS entered into financial transactions with businesses in which CHS Board members have a financial interest, and that oversight was compromised by the fact that one man served both as president of CHS and chairman of its Board.

The investigation has also found that CHS aggressively restricts a majority of its $52 million fund balance, potentially constraining CHS’ ability to fulfill its charitable mission of protecting animals within its care.

Blumenthal issued the interim report to provide CHS guidance as it transitions from the troubled leadership of Richard Johnston, who recently resigned as the president and chairman of the CHS Board of Directors. A broad range of allegations involve Johnston, including that charitable funds and resources were misused for personal and his own political purposes, and that Johnston had created an abusive and dysfunctional atmosphere at CHS.

            “Lack of leadership is causing the Connecticut Humane Society to fail its core charitable purpose -- providing care and stopping cruelty to animals,” Blumenthal said. “The Connecticut Humane Society now has a historic opportunity and obligation to revive and reenergize its leadership. Very simply, it must spend more on animal care, stop apparent conflicts of interest and respect views and rights of workers and volunteers.

            “The Connecticut Humane Society cannot protect its animals without protecting its funds and resources. Even as our investigation continues, we urge the CHS Board to seize this opportunity -- the resignation of its president and Board chairman -- to reform its practices and renew its commitment to fulfill its critical charitable mission.

“The Connecticut Humane Society’s mission to protect animals requires sound financial management, a cohesive work environment and protections against conflicts of interest -- real or perceived. We are recommending reforms vital to preserving public trust in this important charity.”

            Even as his investigation continues, Blumenthal recommends that the CHS Board take immediate action, including:

·         Strengthen its conflict of interest policy, specifically concerning CHS contracts and purchases that may benefit board members or relatives;

·         Release sufficient funds to address immediate animal welfare needs of animals brought to CHS; and

·         Internally review and address all allegations and adverse management issues outlined in the preliminary investigative report.

            Blumenthal said his office also plans to refer to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) allegations of interference with the attempt by CHS employees to unionize.

View entire CHS Interim Report - (PDF-70KB)