Humane Society Executive Director Under Fire For Paying For Purebred Dog

PITTSBURGH (KDKA)- The executive director of the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society is coming under fire.

A petition has more than 1,000 signatures asking that the Humane Society board remove Joy Braunstein from her position.

Right now, Braunstein is on paid administrative leave.

A petition on Change.org claims that Braunstein paid $1,000 to a breeder for a purebred collie puppy. They are upset that she would pay for a purebred instead of adopting a dog from the Humane Society.

In a counter move, Anya Dobratz started a petition to applaud Braunstein's efforts at the Humane Society. Supporters say she has increased donations, extended outreach and better raised community awareness for the animals. That petition has over 400 signatures so far.

"I'm seeing a lot of hateful, ad hominem, unreasonable comments that are just kind of disturbing," Dobratz said. "I feel like the purebred community and the rescue community need to work together, instead of against one another."

The Post-Gazette was able to reach Braunstein on Wednesday. She told them, "This is insane and ridiculous and scary. I have broken no laws. I have done nothing unethical."

Braunstein went on to talk about being harassed by people over the purebred issue. "They need to stop bullying. They need to stop defaming my character. The violence that's been called for... all I'm focused on right now is making sure my 2-year-old and 6-year-old are safe from harm."

A person that signed the petition against Braunstein said that it is the height of hypocrisy to be the face of an organization that promotes adoption and combats overpopulation, while purchasing a dog from a breeder.

Braunstein has been the executive director of the Humane Society since January of 2015.

A Humane Society board member said allegations are just that and at this time, they don't know what's true.

Braunstein told KDKA-TV's Heather Abraham that she has had death threats and filed harassment charges against two women.

Abraham also reached out to Braunstein's attorney, who said at this time, there's no comment.

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