Humane Society boss on leave says she is victim of smear campaign; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/4/16

Madasyn Czebiniak, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Humane Society boss on leave says she is victim of smear campaign:

"Former employees estimate that in Joy Braunstein’s 13-month tenure as executive director of the Western PA Humane Society, more than a third of the roughly 60-member staff was either fired or quit.

Those seeking to get her fired say that exodus is part of the driving force behind an online change.org petition demanding her removal. The petition, which has attracted more than 1,400 signatures, also describes Ms. Braunstein’s decision “to purchase a collie puppy from a breeder who charges $1,000 per pup as opposed to adopting one of the dogs at her own shelter or another dog in need of rescue” as “the height of hypocrisy.”

Earlier this week, Ms. Braunstein was placed on paid administrative leave — a decision that she told the Post-Gazette was made to “get me out of the direct line of fire.” Against the advice of her attorney, she spoke to the Post-Gazette late Wednesday, saying that she was the victim of an online bullying and character defamation campaign and had received violent threats.

Two women, Diane Bandy and Tara Vybiral, were charged Tuesday with harassment for making threats on social media against Ms. Braunstein, who could not be reached for further comment Thursday...

Ms. Braunstein’s supporters on Wednesday started their own counter-petition in which they laud her efforts at the society, including increasing donations, outreach and community awareness, and advocacy. It also had about 1,400 signatures by Thursday."