A DISPUTE has broken out at the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home at Carlton between volunteers and management over the organisation's future direction.
Manager Pat Hood has resigned after more than eight years there.
The Leader has received other reports that some of the volunteer carers have left, allegedly upset at decisions by the management committee taking the home in a new direction.
The new leadership released a statement on the home's website outlining changes including the role of the centre's volunteer co-ordinator who will now be under control of the new management committee.
The home's newly appointed chief executive officer, Frank De Silva, said that, unfortunately, the board determined that the services of the volunteer co-ordinator and her deputy were no long required.
"We didn't want her [Pat Hood]to go but she said she was unhappy to stay under the new regime," Mr De Silva said.
"There has been a disagreement between Ms Hood and the committee of management on the appropriate way to go forward.
Ms Hood finished up at the home last Friday.
"I agree that all businesses need to go forward but it is just how you go forward," she said.
"We are the most successful animal re-homing centre in NSW.
"There are things we don't think need changing but we wish them well."
Mr De Silva said the home would maintain its prime aim and objective of compassionate care and its low kill rate.
"We will still keep the volunteer system in place but felt the volunteer coordinator should be taken into management structure," he said.
The centre has 12 staff, either full or part-time, and 40 active volunteers.
Mr De Silva said his committee of management reviewed the financial situation of the organisation and had concerns about its viability.
Email a friend