Findings Released In The Friends Animal Shelter Investigation

Just two days after the State Comptroller’s office released a report into the investigation into Newport Utilities and the mis-management of millions of dollars under the former general manager…a report has been released today that deals with an investigation into what was formerly known as The Friends Animal Shelter. Two years ago, a new board of directors was seated for that organization and they contacted the Cocke County Sheriff’s office and the TBI to look into the business practices under the former executive director who was removed when the new board took control. The report of the state’s findings were released today. That report found no criminal wrongdoing, but there were deficiencies in internal control and compliance. For instance, under the former director, deposits of monetary donations were not routinely made, averaging deposits every 11 days and one time going more than 30 days without being made. The record keeping was lacking on that front and the shelter could not produce documentation for $3,561 in deposits. The report also stated that the former executive director gave herself a raise without board approval. She told investigators that when the board gave raises to the other employees, she thought she was included even though she had previously been given a bump in pay.

The Friends Animal Shelter rebranded itself in August of this year as the Smoky Mountain Humane Society. WE reached out to a representative of the Humane Society earlier today but was not successful in reaching them. However, they did say in an e-mail to us that the board is thrilled that the TBI and the comptroller’s office found no items or issues at all with the organization since the current board took over. Back in August the shelter declined to renew a relationship with the county as Cocke County’s animal shelter.