The two top leaders of the
Humane Society of the United States have lost their jobs because of allegations
of sexual misconduct.
The two led campaigns
against farming livestock and poultry. For example, they were leaders in the
campaigns to ban sow gestation crates, cages for hens and individual pens for
veal calves.
Chief executive officer
Wayne Pacelle resigned on Friday, a month after Paul Shapiro, vice president of
policy, left the organization, both amid accusations of sexual misconduct by
multiple women who worked for them.
“The last few days have been
very hard for our entire family of staff and supporters,” said Rick Bernthal,
chairman of the HSUS board, in a statement Friday afternoon, announcing the
group had accepted Pacelle’s resignation, effective immediately.
Earlier in the day, however,
the
Washington Post reported the board had decided to keep Pacelle
on, even as seven of its 31 board members resigned in protest.
Accusations against both
former HSUS leaders were reported initially by The
Chronicle of Philanthropy, followed by reports by POLITICO
and the Washington Post last week.
It seems inconsistent and strange that these men could campaign for the welfare of animals and birds while abusing women.
