AG investigates Humane Society

Hartford (WTNH) - Some former Connecticut Humane Society employees want the President out of office. They say his poor leadership is now affecting animal care.

Accusations of mis-management, and poor quality in the care and protection of animals has a harsh spotlight shining down on the CT Humane Society's President.

Former employees and volunteers of the society have formed the "Coalition for Change," believing one of Connecticut's larger non-profit agencies is being led down the wrong path by Society President Richard Johnston.

"In over the past year, I've been involved in rescuing six animals from the CT Humane Society that were threatened with being euthanized for behavioral issues that weren't that bad. You know, like a problem of being around other cats," said Ivona Zalewski, an animal rescuer.

The activist group wants to meet with the Society's Board of Directors because Johnston will not even acknowledge the coalition's existence.

"There is no ability to be able to get in contact and say, 'Hey, I'm a citizen, I'm donor, I'm gonna drop off a pet, could you pay attention to my concern?' There's just no mechanism for that in place," said James Luberda of "Coalition for Change."

Johnston will not respond to News Channel 8's request for comment.

The Board of Directors issued a written statement, through member Leslie White, that said, "We have every confidence that the conduct of the Society and its President has been forthright, professional and of the utmost integrity at all times. And, we regret the unfortunate and generally anonymous charges that have been leveled against it and him. We intend fully to review all of these allegations to reassure ourselves and our community that the Society continues to stand for integrity and fair treatment."

The State Attorney General's office has also opened up an investigation into possible financial improprieties against Johnston, who in addition to being President, is also the Executive Director of the Humane Society.