Ask Joe investigates: Humane Society CEO, three board members resign

Reno, NEV — A major development coming out as News 4 was first to report on Wednesday May 10th that Greg Hall, the Nevada Humane Society CEO, has submitted his resignation, effective immediately.

The news comes days after three board members announced their resignations.

The news comes as Hall was facing a growing number of complaints about the way the Humane Society is being run, including allegations of retaliation against those who speak up or voice concerns.

Eddie Hovore worked at the Nevada Humane Society for six months. He was fired days after sending an email to the Regional Animal Services Advisory Board, outlining his concerns about the lack of training for employees.

"I personally did not receive any training whatsoever," he said.

Hovore sent the email on April 26th. He was fired on May 2nd.

We asked him if he feels like he was retaliated against. "Definitely," he said. "I know nothing I said was untrue."

The Humane Society has declined to comment on his firing but Hovore's letter was just one of ten written complaints sent to the Regional Advisory Board in recent weeks highlighting concerns about Humane Society operations and management.

Board Chair Naomi Duerr characterized the complaint letters as rational and not simply based on emotion.

"The people seem sincere," she said. "They do not seem to have been fired. So in other words it's not a reaction to being fired."

Those complaints allege problems from lack of training, to retaliation against employees to inadequate care for the animals.

One complaint questioning significant payments made to board members which we reported on in 2021, has also been sent to the Nevada Attorney General and that issue is getting a closer look now from the Advisory Board.

"It's raised a red flag," Duerr told us.

We paid a visit to the Humane Society to see if anyone was available to respond to the complaints.

We did not get answers, but hours after our visit, three NHS board members including the board president, submitted their resignations.

Those resignations came only days after Humane Society CEO Greg Hall failed to show up for a scheduled meeting to address the issues with the Regional Advisory Board.

Advisory Board members including Irene Payne were not happy with his absence.

"I'm terribly disappointed that the Humane Society cancelled their presentation at what seemed the 11th hour," she said.

Patience is running thin as local leaders demand answers from an agency which is coming under increased public scrutiny.

It's also clear more people like Eddie Hovore are willing to speak up despite whatever consequences they might face.

Hovore said he has no regrets about blowing the whistle when he did.

"I definitely really strongly believe in my heart that I'm doing the right thing."

The Humane Society confirmed on Wednesday shortly after we reported the news that CEO Greg Hall has resigned and a search is underway for his replacement.

The Board will also launch an outside investigation into animal care, revamp how it processes anonymous complaints, conduct a review of staff compensation and create a new committee to study the organization's by-laws.

There are a lot of changes happening as the Humane Society looks to address complaints and restore its trust with the community. We'll keep you posted on all of it.