Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) CEO, Steve Farley, and Chief Programs Officer, Christian Gonzalez, have been suspended by the board, following an investigation into an incident involving the transfer of 318 small animals from San Diego's Humane Society to HSSA.

The welfare and whereabouts of these innocent creatures are both in question.

“Where our animals went is the easiest question you can ask any organization — that’s why it’s so perplexing that we’re not getting the answers from this one,” Gary Weitzman, president of the San Diego Humane Society, told NBC San Diego.

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San Diego's Humane Society (SDHS) faced controversy over the transfer of 318 small animals to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA).

Unveiling the Controversy

As ABC 10 reports, the controversy erupted when animal lovers, concerned about the well-being of these small animals, couldn't find any information about their whereabouts. Even looking through the HSSA website, they discovered that renowned rescue organizations in Arizona had not taken in these pets either.

HSSA's CEO, Steve Farley, attempted to allay concerns, claiming that the animals had been sent to a private rescue organization, which purportedly found forever homes for approximately 250 of them, Arizona Public Media reports. However, this explanation didn't sit well with animal advocates, who found it implausible that an anonymous rescue could rehome such a large number of animals in a short span.

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Concerned animal lovers initially raised questions about the welfare and whereabouts of these transferred animals.

Unanswered Questions

Animal advocates, fueled by an anonymous tip line and internet research, managed to identify the individuals who received the animals, AZPM reported. These findings were later confirmed by HSSA. The animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats, found their way to a family-run operation in Apache Junction.

Trevor and Colten Jones were entrusted with the care of these animals, though investigators soon found that their organization lacked official designation or non-profit status, and no formal vetting process was conducted before the transfer. Additionally, Colten Jones runs an informal online business known as "The Fertile Turtle," where live and frozen animals are advertised for sale, primarily as snake feed, reports Responsible Ethical Animal Practices.

Despite the outcry for transparency and accountability, the Jones family has yet to reveal what happened to the animals in their care, leaving concerned citizens and animal advocates in the dark.

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The animals ended up with the Jones family in Apache Junction, Arizona, with a decade-long relationship with HSSA.

Escalation and Legal Action

The situation escalated as San Diego's Humane Society threatened legal action against HSSA to compel them to disclose the animals' whereabouts, ABC10 reports. The demand for clarity grew louder, with multiple organizations in both states echoing the sentiment that the quick rehoming of so many animals was highly implausible.

In response, HSSA released a statement emphasizing their commitment to the animals' well-being and pledging to gather any available information. They also announced the hiring of a third-party investigator, Terry Flores, from a Tucson-based company.

"As people who care deeply about animals, we understand well the significant interest in ensuring the animals are OK," a portion of HSSA's statement read. "While this private group does not maintain adoption records in the manner that a large organization like HSSA does, we are looking for all the information available, formal or not."

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The Jones family has not disclosed what happened to the animals in their care, leaving advocates and concerned citizens in the dark.

Suspensions and Pending Investigations

Amidst this turmoil, HSSA's board made a decisive move by suspending CEO Steve Farley and Chief Programs Officer Christian Gonzalez, reports NBC San Diego. This suspension is pending the results of the independent investigation, marking a significant shift in the organization's leadership.

Weitzman expressed concern and revealed that they are exploring all available options after receiving a legal response from HSSA. The HSSA, on the other hand, accused the San Diego Humane Society of initiating a media frenzy and spreading falsehoods. They maintained that they had no responsibility to prove the animals' whereabouts.

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San Diego's Humane Society threatened legal action against HSSA to compel disclosure of the animals' whereabouts.

As the investigation unfolds and questions linger, the fate of these small pets remains uncertain. Animal advocates and concerned citizens are closely following developments, eager to ensure the safety and well-being of these innocent creatures.

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