There’s an urgent need to address misleading information released by the RGV Humane Society, which aims to mislead Harlingen residents as well as manipulate public opinion for financial gain.
Regrettably, the RGV Humane Society, funded by taxpayer money, consistently spreads misinformation designed to play on people’s emotions.
We deeply care about cats and dogs in Harlingen, including those left homeless and wandering on the streets due to the RGV Humane Society rejecting these cats and dogs. They do not want to accept all dogs and cats, only ones they find attractive enough to be adopted. The reason cats and dogs are being rejected by the RGV Humane Society is so that the shelter retains its “no kill” status, more as a marketing strategy. Consequently, animals end up confined in small spaces for extended periods for days, weeks, and even months.
This year, the City of Harlingen initiated inquiries into the RGV Humane Society’s finances. Questions were raised regarding the allocation of the $400,000 provided by the City to the RGV Humane Society and whether the funds were being used for lifesaving spay and neuter surgeries or for other purposes.
On Nov. 20, 2023, the RGV Humane Society submitted a report to city administration. Although the report submitted by the RGV Humane Society lacks transparency in its financial disclosures, it disclosed spending $954,589 on payroll, encompassing salaries and labor costs. However, the report lacked details because it did not include information on individuals and/or employees being paid with the city’s $400,000 contribution. The then Director of the RGV Humane Society resigned from his position on the day the incomplete report was submitted.
The report revealed minimal expenditures on essential services for animals. The RGV Humane Society disclosed it only spent $1,926.19 on dog and cat food, $19,896.50 on spay and neuter expenses, and $23,040.41 on microchipping, among other items, within their reported $1.4 million annual budget. The RGV Humane Society collected $347,307.63 in donations and received grant funds totaling $5,000, according to its report.
As part of the city’s budget process, transparent financial information was requested from the RGV Humane Society, but the Society failed to provide the 2022 comprehensive annual financial report and the 2023-24 budget.
In a response to the City’s request for the budget and 2022 comprehensive financial report, an RGV Humane Society representative replied via email, “Will not be able to provide.”
View emailed document here.
Due to the lack of transparency and financial integrity, the City of Harlingen has decided not to grant the RGV Humane Society the additional $400,000 requested this year. Instead, the City seeks an honest, transparent, and compassionate organization dedicated to saving animals in Harlingen. This entails a robust volunteer program, comprehensive spay and neuter services, and an inclusive policy for fostering and adopting all types of cats and dogs.
Any reputable organization interested in providing these services may respond to the City’s Request for Proposals (RFP) to become the City’s animal shelter operator. The proposals will be reviewed and ranked by city administration before being presented to the Harlingen City Commission.
Uncovering the RGV Humane Society’s use of taxpayer money has been challenging, marked by threatening words and actions. However, the City of Harlingen remains committed to transparency and financial responsibility and will not give in to any threatening actions.
“We remain hopeful that a compassionate and reputable organization will step in to care for all animals in Harlingen,” said Mayor Norma Sepulveda, emphasizing the city's commitment to ethical use of taxpayer funds while prioritizing the well-being of all animals. “We're optimistic about finding a positive path forward to establish a genuine partnership that prioritizes animal welfare.”
View the incomplete financial report submitted to the city by the RGV Humane Society representative here.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was penned by the City of Harlingen and posted on the city's website. Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda can be reached by email via: nsepulveda@harlingentx.gov.
