JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) -- The Humane Society of Cambria County is having an internal battle between staff members and the board of directors.
And because of ongoing disagreements on Friday, the organization closed its doors to the public.
The society's executive director told WJAC it was a tough decision to close its doors to the public, but the problem with the board has been festering for months.
The Humane Society did, however, open for business on Saturday because it is their biggest adoption day.
Scott Emigh adopted a kitten with his wife Saturday.
"This place is busy,” Emigh said. “They put out a lot of animals. They take in a lot of animals. They've got to go somewhere."
He's worried about the animals if the shelter closes its door to the public.
"There’s no place for bickering,” Emigh said. “There really isn't. Get over it. Keep the place going.”
Executive Director Jeannine Gailey said it's not that simple. She said there has been turmoil between staff and board members for the last year.
"We just can't take any more demeaning and demanding attitude from the board president," Gailey said.
Gailey said the board president bullied other board members off the board and then brought on three more members.
Some other complaints include changing staff work hours and job descriptions.
"The fact of the matter is they aren't here on a daily basis,” Gailey said. “They don't know what day-to-day operations entail."
Tim Burns, solicitor for the Humane Society, said the board, which hasn't had oversight in the last few years, is just trying to do what's best for the shelter.
"The board is aware of state inspections involving the shelter and the board is also aware of its financial status right now and the board is very concerned," Burns said.
Gailey has more concerns and said they are taking a stand for better treatment.
"He’s not treating the staff very kindly,” Gailey said. “We're not being respected for the job that we do every day to take care of the animals."
Regardless of what staff members say, Burns said the shelter will be open for business next week.
"The shelter will be open to the public on Tuesday,” Burns said. “The board of directors is in charge of the Cambria County Humane Society."
Burns said the board will be meeting Sunday to review the status of the employees and the executive director so they can move forward.
"We are going to be here on a daily basis as long as we are granted access to the shelter, to love and care for the animals, make sure the dogs get outside to run and play each day,” Gailey said.
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