The Washington Humane Society has replaced the director of the District’s animal shelter amid concerns about treatment and care at the city-funded facility.
Nick Gilman, director of the D.C. Animal Shelter, was out as of Friday. Two veterinary technicians also were let go, The Examiner has learned.
Sabrina Fang, WHS spokeswoman, confirmed Gilman’s exit and acknowledged “some turnover, over the weekend,” but declined to offer further details “because it’s a personnel matter.” Like any organization, she said, “people come and go.”
“He was employed by us,” she said. “He is no longer with us.”
» Managed a shelter in Wyoming
» Served as WHS animal care supervisor
» Served as D.C. animal control officer
Fang would not name the two technicians, or explain why they were fired.
The change in leadership comes two weeks after The Examiner first reported allegations of abuse and neglect at the shelter. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals detailed “unacceptable conditions” there in a Dec. 31 letter to Mayor Adrian Fenty. Gilman was the subject of numerous accusations.
PETA’s accusations came at an inopportune time for the WHS — its contract as the District’s animal welfare provider expired in September and it is in competition with a yet-unnamed organization to manage the shelter. Those bids are under review, according to the Office of Contracting and Procurement.
The WHS said it has earned nearly $13 million from the D.C. government since May 2004.
Gilman is president of Humane Logic, a consulting firm that works with local humane societies. He served as the Montgomery County Humane Society’s interim executive director before he was hired by the WHS.
PETA leveled several allegations against Gilman, including incompetence in euthanizing animals and “failure to provide adequate veterinary care.” The organization demanded his dismissal.
Gilman could not be reached for comment Monday.
Every shelter has room for improvement, the WHS said in a Jan. 6 statement, but PETA’s allegations were “without merit.” By contrast to PETA, the organization said, “WHS believes the welfare of the animal should always come first.”
Rosanna Taormina, a frequent shelter volunteer, told The Examiner on Monday that the place is “full of extremely dedicated individuals who work after-hours and on their day off, but they’re trying to function in an impossible situation.”
Liam Hughes, WHS director of animal control field services, will take over as interim shelter director, Fang said. Lisa Bragg, a former customer care manager, was named second-in-command.
