"Humane Society CEO Martha Boden steps down"

This headline on June 18, 2008 (followed with a carefully scripted text of the separation sent to the media outlets < PRESS RELEASE > marks the end of a painful 5 1/2 yrs of animal welfare history in Indianapolis. During this time many animal welfare organizations were shunned by the agency, doors were shut to strays, it was difficult to volunteer and the shelter was left with a $2.8M debt. Move to ACT documented and shared this crippling behavior to get anyone's attention who had the authority to stop it before total self-destruction of the agency. But no one would take action ... until now - when HSI Board of directors decided to act and part company with Ms Boden. Did they wait too long to take action?

June 18th now also signals the opportunity for not only a fresh start for HSI, but also a potential new era for animals and for the animal sheltering industry in our community. HSI board members are making themselves accessible and listening to local organizations for the first time ever. The community welcomes this willing communication. The process to search for a new executive director has begun. The steps taken on this fresh course to climb out of financial debt and repair broken relationships with both the community and the animals it is obligated to serve will need to be deliberate and wise. Boden’s departure is a good start. The Humane Society of Indianapolis is poised for a successful rebirth. We are hopeful for this struggling agency and will see if the directors are receptive to the help that has been offered.