The Roanoke Valley SPCA Board of Directors announced Thursday that William Watson Jr. has resigned as executive director.
Watson's resignation is effective July 31.
The Roanoke Valley SPCA (RVSPCA) says a search has already begun for a new executive director.
“We are thankful for Bill’s service to the RVSPCA over the last 6 years,” Barbara Dalhouse, president of the RVSPCA Board of Directors, wrote in a news release. "And for the many successes that have occurred during that time. We are equally excited about the opportunity of a new era of leadership on the staff of the RVSPCA and the opportunities that will provide, as well, for the operation of the Regional Center for Animal Control & Protection. The Board of the RVSPCA remains committed to its mission and looks forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the animals and the people they touch in the Roanoke Valley.”
An investigation was launched at the SPCA about the treatment of animals. The SPCA held a news conference Monday to talk about the issue.
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These are just some of the 40-plus cats Botetourt County didn't trust to the Roanoke Valley pound, and just one of the many reasons the SPCA gave for holding Monday's news conference.
"The board and staff at both SPCA and Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection are concerned about recent issues that have developed at the center," says Board President Barbara Dalhouse.
At issue, how the pound treats animals and the number of those animals euthanized every year.
"The health and safety of animals that are in our care in the regional center is our top priority," explains Dalhouse.
President of the Board Barbara Dalhouse says the organization is taking recent allegations seriously and conducting an internal investigation.
But, some animal lovers like Amy England aren't sure about the pound's intentions.
Says England, "Actions speak louder than words I believe and there have been some animals left unattended."
Trinity has become a poster-child in this fight.
The pit bull lost her leg after animal groups say an existing condition was left to fester while she at the pound.
Low cost clinic Angels of Assisi has been one of the groups taking in extra animals, like Trinity.
Managers there are taking a wait and see approach after Monday press conference.
"The overriding thing is we don't have any answers yet, so Ms. Dalhouse said those will be coming out and they'll keep the public informed, so I guess we'll all have to stay tuned," says Lisa O'Neill of Angels of Assisi.
When asked point-blank if the internal investigation would mean a change in leadership for the organization, Dalhouse wouldn't answer- saying it's a personnel matter.
She did say the public could see the results of this investigation within the next week or two.
