The longtime Director of the Beadle County Humane Society Kim Krueger announced over the weekend that she would step down as director. She stated health concerns directly related to bullying from agencies and individuals concerning animal control that were once assisted by the Beadle County Humane Society. Board president Lisa Cornelius talks about the issue.
Cornelius said the Beadle County Humane Society was originally asked to assist with new-comers in animal control and protection.
Cornelius said the goals of the Beadle County Humane Society are being compromised by the start up agencies.
She talks about what need to take place going forward.
I have been President of the Board of Directors of the Beadle County Humane for 18 years and have been involved in animal rescue and welfare my entire life. Our organization has always been transparent and truthful in all situations whether it be good or bad. Complete honesty and trust between the BCHS staff and Board has always been there. I/We support Kim and the organization 200%! With Kim’s 30 years of knowledge and experience, she is a professional and we love and respect her and everything she does.
My heart is broken today as Kim Krueger, our Beadle County Humane Society Director has left after 30 years of dedicated, extraordinary work and outstanding community service. She was our world, our advocate, and our best friend. She loves animals, her job, and put their safety and welfare ALWAYS above her own. However, the accumulation of stress due to extreme bullying, inhumane and unjustified treatment for over a year, Kim was hospitalized recently for a week. This ongoing harassment of Kim personally, the Beadle County Humane Society as a whole, has been a nightmare. Most importantly, Kim’s personal physical and mental health has been jeopardized by all the horrific unjustified untrue comments on social media.
For the handful of folks guilty of this year-long bullying and harassment: This absolutely breaks my heart. Shame on you. Between Kim and Denise there is over 55 years of animal knowledge and experience. You have no idea everything they do and what encompasses a day at the shelter. We hoped and prayed everyone would keep the mission at hand of saving and doing what is best for the animals. We welcomed the partnerships and helped you get started. Then we were condemned and bashed over and over. How dare you interrogate Kim and challenge her integrity while at the same time devaluing the reputation of the Humane Society. We, as an organization have NEVER been treated so terribly. Our community goes to great lengths to support the Beadle County Humane Society and we are SO thankful every day and especially today for that love and support.
Our organization’s objective and our mission has always been and will always be, the prevention of cruelty to animals, to care for the homeless animals in our community, to reduce the number of unwanted litters through spay and neuter efforts and to promote responsible pet ownership.
Our community and the Beadle County Humane Society needs Kim and her staff at the shelter and we fear the thought of having to close our doors. If you believe in the Beadle County Humane Society, now is your chance to speak for our homeless and voiceless friends and show your support!! We need the Beadle County Humane Society, and we need Kim back to run it!!!
Beadle County Humane Society Board president
Lisa Cornelius