HOULTON, Maine — Cathy Davis will be the first to admit it has been a turbulent few months at the Houlton Humane Society, the no-kill animal shelter that operates in southern Aroostook County.
Davis, a former board president for the group, is back at the helm as chairman of the board after the previous executive director resigned in February. Heather Miller, who had been the director since 2009, caused major upheaval for the shelter when she allegedly fabricated a story about a dog being adopted in order to cover up the death of the animal while it was in her care.
The shelter also has been dealing with persistent allegations of financial and operational irregularities.
To address the concerns, Davis said an internal audit was completed, and several new directors have joined the nine-member board after applying for and being interviewed.
Ramona Conrad, who was chosen in February as the new interim executive director for the shelter, continues in that position.
Davis said it is time for a new beginning.
“Our treasurer went through the books, and as far as we can tell, all of the money that was brought into the shelter was put into the proper accounts,” Davis said. “Our treasurer really went over the books with a fine-tooth comb. We did not have a formal audit done because that would cost between $3,000 and $5,000, and we just don’t have the money for that. But again, if you made a donation to the shelter, it went to the shelter.”
Davis also said by-laws have been reviewed with legal counsel and amended to conform to current standards. She said the original by-laws were drafted more than 60 years ago and needed to be changed to comply with corporate law.
An investigation by the Houlton Police Department into the circumstances of the death of the dog in Miller’s care continues, according to Houlton police Chief Joe McKenna. He said information would be released once the case is complete.
Davis said the tumult surrounding the death of the dog and the resulting investigation have “absolutely” had an impact on donations to the shelter.
“We have lost a great deal of financial support because of this,” she said. “We have been cutting staff hours and brainstorming ways that we can save even more money than we already are. It is a critical situation. It is a full house, as far as animals here at the shelter, and donations have not dried up, but they are close to it.
“It is a shame how much negative publicity can do to a place without all of the full facts being known,” Davis said. “Our goal is to move forward and not back, but sometimes the public will not let you.”