More than two years after the Humane Society of Southern Arizona transferred over 300 small animals to a reptile breeder, the agency is relying on its new leaders to help repair its tarnished reputation and damaged relationships with donors and regain community trust.

Last May, as the dust was settling from the 2023 scandal that rocked the organization, the Humane Society hired Kristin Barney as CEO and later Michele Figueroa as chief programs officer.

The organization is partnering with local rescues to strengthen its foster care program, helping animals find homes faster. It’s also involved in “March Mutness,” a nationwide event encouraging local giving, and Arizona Gives Day, highlighting the cost of medical care for its animals. 

In September 2023, the Humane Society faced widespread backlash after it was revealed that small animals — ranging from rabbits to guinea pigs — sent to Tucson from the San Diego Humane Society had been transferred to the Fertile Turtle, a reptile breeding company in Maricopa County. The company, which also sells live and frozen animals for reptile feed, allegedly fed the animals to its reptiles and froze some, according to findings from the Humane Society’s formal investigation.

The investigation found that Christian Gonzalez, the former chief programs officer, sent the animals to Fertile Turtle owner Colten Jones.

The day after the animals were moved, Jones texted another reptile breeder asking for assistance in freezing off guinea pigs and rabbits, according to the report.

The investigation cited communication failures and leadership shortcomings, particularly from former CEO Steve Farley, who was fired shortly after.

Outrage spread across the community, and many people saw the Humane Society leadership’s decision as a betrayal of the shelter’s mission to “compassionately serve pets and the people who love them.”  

“It’s unheard of that anybody would do this,” said Kelly Paolisso, an animal welfare activist who helped bring 62 of the animals back to Tucson and adopted many of the guinea pigs. 

The fallout has led many long-time donors, disillusioned by the organization’s actions, to withdraw their support.

Linda Dills, who had been contributing for over 30 years, stopped when the scandal broke, expressing that her worst fears had been realized. 

“I was shocked, saddened, surprised, traumatized,” Dills said.

The Humane Society’s annual reports revealed that the organization raised just shy of $4.9 million through donations, grants, and special events in the 2023 fiscal year. That number dramatically dropped in 2024, with total revenue reaching just nearly $2.9 million.  

The report also showed a decrease in the lifesaving rate, which represents the percentage of animals saved. It dropped from 91.5% in 2023 to 86.2% in 2024, a change attributed to the loss of the 257 animals.

On Jan. 14, the society’s board of directors released a statement outlining their efforts to rebuild trust and move forward. The statement detailed steps to stabilize the organization, including establishing stronger community partnerships and hiring new leadership. 

“One of the things that we’ve heard from staff, volunteers, donors, is that they want more transparency,” said Jonathan Neuser, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s marketing and communications director. “I’ve been really trying to increase the number of press releases that we do. Anytime we have any sort of rescue or, you know, big medical case, adoption specials, I’m trying to push that out as often as I can.” 

Former donor Dills said she doesn’t see enough of these efforts, particularly in the media, and questions their sincerity.  

“I think it’s more of like a sweep it under the rug, and we’re back to business, and we’re doing a good thing,” Dills said. “To me, it doesn’t feel like they have really made such a difference.”

The January press release also said that the organization reached a settlement with Farley following his dismissal. Terms of the deal weren’t released, but the news has raised further concerns about the organization’s financial decisions during a time of crisis.

Dills said the settlement agreement has only deepened her mistrust and left her with lingering questions about how the organization will pay the settlement. 

“Is it coming from donations?” Dills asked.

Paolisso shared a similar frustration, emphasizing that transparency is key to restoring public trust. Since the scandal unfolded, she has repeatedly requested a copy of the emails between Gonzalez and Farley leading up to the controversial transport.

When asked why the Humane Society hasn’t taken that step yet, Neuser said the agency has “released everything that we’re allowed to release.”

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.