Allegations of harassment and mismanagement have emerged at the Auburn Valley Humane Society (AVHS), specifically targeting CEO Phil Morgan, according to reports from multiple current and former employees. These allegations include inappropriate behavior, intimidation, and a significant decline in animal care standards that have prompted a mass resignation of staff. Nine employees left the organization in November, with a total exodus of non-management staff following. While the AVHS Board of Directors has conducted an independent investigation and claims no illegal conduct was found, Morgan attributes the resignations to policy disagreements rather than workplace culture. Former employees have voiced their distress over the declining standards of animal care and expressed concerns about Morgan’s management style, which they describe as unpredictable and intimidating.

Notably, incidents involving inappropriate physical contact and questionable decisions regarding animal euthanasia have been reported. The situation has sparked outrage among the community and calls for greater accountability in animal welfare leadership. As the AVHS struggles to retain staff and maintain its mission, the implications of these allegations could reverberate throughout the region's animal welfare initiatives.