Fired OR Shelter Worker Claims Retaliation for Whistleblowing

The Greenhill Humane Society took over the Lane Co shelter in Oregon in July.  A vet tech who worked at the facility before and after the management change has filed a lawsuit against Greenhill:

[Heidy] Hollister claims that sick and injured animals did not receive adequate medication or hygienic care to relieve their suffering.

Hollister contends that in July she reported her concerns to the agency’s veterinarian, who responded that the animals in question were going to be euthanized when their holding period expired and that Hollister should not provide any additional care.

Complaints to Greenhill’s executive director were ignored, she said.

Ms. Hollister was fired in August.  Her lawsuit alleges she “was fired in retaliation for performing her public duty to report what she believed to be criminal conduct by the veterinarian.”  She is seeking reinstatement with back pay as well as other damages totaling $700,000.  A trial date has not been set.