‘Claws out’ at GAWS

By Noel Murphy
GEELONG animal welfare campaigners are being put down, sacked for failing to follow rules but without being told their offences.
Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) has notified six former board members and its secretary they will be expelled as members next month.
“It is the opinion of the board that there is sufficient evidence of past conduct that warrants your expulsion,” GAWS president Joyce Doherty said in a letter to each of them.
The letter did not cite any specific offences but said any member who “wilfully refuses or neglects’’ to comply with the society’s constitution or who was “guilty of any conduct which in the opinion of the directors” was unbecoming or prejudicial to the society’s interest could be expelled.
Former vice-president Nadine Williams, who stood down two months after differences with the board, said the sackings were a blatant attempt to silence critics of its new members.
“They’re killing off all the old board members,” Ms Williams said.
“These are people who were accusing us of hiding things and not being transparent but now we want to ask questions we’re not allowed to.
“We invited them in to work with them but trying to get rid of us.”
Ms Doherty alleged the targeted members had breached performance management regulations and refused to accept changes or follow the society’s code of practice.
They were responsible for mishandling of animals and untrained staff, she said.
“They had many years to turn things around. Now we have a board taking full responsibility and exercising our right they don’t like it but sometimes there are consequences for actions.
“Them not knowing is not a good enough answer.”
GAWS was mired in controversy over the past year as animal liberationists decried euthanasia practices in rallies and a bitter Facebook campaign.
A new board pursuing a no-kill policy was installed last year. Two months later it claimed a “100 per cent turnaround” in the society’s operations.
Newtown veterinarian Jack Ayerbe told the Independent the targeted members were seeking legal advice.
“This to me is wrong. You can’t shoot someone down in flames without telling them why.”
Former board member Rod Mackenzie said the new regime had shortcomings but its members had been dedicated and hard-working, with their hearts in the right place.
The no-kill lobby’s aggressive campaign against them had left some devastated, he said.
“I can’t believe they could accuse them of cruelty. I’ve never seen dedication like it.”