Letter to the Editor: Veterinarian Dr. Kraft's Open Letter on the Humane Society's Actions

To the Residents of Jefferson County:

During the second week of January, 2026, as onsite Shelter Veterinarian, I requested a meeting with the HSJC Board of Directors (BOD) to present multiple concerns regarding the practices of the current HSJC Executive Director (ED) along with information on present day veterinary medical and surgical practice standards and capacities as they apply to shelter medicine. My intention was to meet with the entire BOD to present evidence along with other materials to support my position. The request was received by then president of the BOD, Pam Kolacy. Ms. Kolacy denied my request to meet with other board members, and stated that my only option to communicate my concerns would be by filing a formal whistle-blower complaint with her directly. On January 9^th, I met with her and presented part of my evidence, but was not given time to present all. 

In the HSJC BOD’s Whistle-blower Policy, the procedure to be followed by the board president is thus:

“Upon receiving word of such violations, the executive director or the board president will put the complaints or concerns in writing and submit to a committee of the board appointed by the president and the committee will have the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints. The executive committee will be responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved.” 

This is the procedure I expected and would have been satisfied with. Instead, I learned the following morning that Ms. Kolacy had already presented my concerns directly to the subject of my complaint, the ED, without appointing a committee. That same morning, without notice, I was locked out of my medical records, work email, and payment history by the ED. I was informed by Ms. Kolacy one week later that an outside agency would be hired by HSJC to perform the investigation. For the following reasons I have decided it is in the best interests of all involved to decline communications with this outside agency:

1. The income raised by HSJC through fundraisers, public donations, and grants is intended to be used to benefit the shelter animals. By paying an outside investigative agency to do what is actually the BOD’s duty, as per their own policy, that money is being diverted away from the animals. This would be in addition to the money already being spent on a recent raise for the Executive Director, a new Administrative Assistant, an outside HR consulting firm contract, new office furniture, and outsourcing of the organization’s finances. For an animal shelter with 5 employees.
2. This agency will be on HSJC’s payroll. I have little faith that they will do a complete and impartial investigation. Since Pam Kolacy is still a board member as acting secretary, she will still have influence over the BOD and any outside agency hired by HSJC.
3. The agency would be focusing mainly on the state laws being violated. There are many other issues not covered by laws that are equally as important and also need to be addressed. There has been no indication that the agency would communicate with other interested parties besides myself or have any influence over the other ethical concerns of the administration.
4. For years the HSJC BOD has held a strict rule prohibiting board member contact with shelter employees, that has directly contributed to this situation. There is no law against this communication, and no specific language in the HSJC BOD By-laws to prohibit it. It is time the HSJC BOD discontinues this policy, takes responsibility for their past failures, and performs their duties. 
5. For the past two years, the BOD has exhibited tunnel vision towards designing and building a new facility, focusing on that distant goal, and diverting funds away from the needs of the shelter animals in this moment. Engaging a third party will just prolong the action necessary to remedy this situation. If given a chance I can demonstrate to the BOD how a foundation of practicing the highest level of shelter medicine and surgery as per the current professional standards will benefit the animals directly, and will be required to attract and maintain skilled and talented veterinary professionals to HSJC now and when the new shelter facility is opened. 

I am repeating my request for a meeting with the HSJC BOD. In addition, I am requesting that the two suspended board members be allowed to return to duties immediately and attend this meeting, and all other interested parties be allowed to share their experiences and concerns as well. This meeting would avoid further delay and unnecessary expense in addressing current administrative deficiencies. It is now up to the Humane Society of Jefferson County Board of Directors to fulfill their fiduciary duties and follow their own policies. 

Thank You,

Deanna L. Kraft, DVM

Port Townsend, WA