Greyhound Rescue Director Steps Down Amid Animal Cruelty Allegations

HOPKINTON – Louise Coleman, executive director of Greyhound Friends Inc., has resigned from the board and taken a leave of absence as executive director after accusations of animal cruelty, MetroWest Daily News reports.

"Ms. Coleman requested the leave in order to step away and give the organization an opportunity to determine the best path forward without being a distraction to the important work of rescuing dogs that Greyhound Friends has done for nearly 34 years," said , said Stoddard Melhado, Greyhound Friends board president, in a release sent Friday afternoon.

The board continues to deny allegations of animal cruelty brought against Coleman, Melhado said.

"At no time was any animal in the organization's custody given anything less than the care and love that they deserve," he said. "Every dog that Greyhound Friends cared for had food, warmth, grooming, medication when needed, and a good chance at a new life through adoption."

Greyhound Friends Inc. ran into trouble last month when the state issued a cease and desist order and the town suspended its kennel license, citing needed improvements. Read more about this story here.

The Division of Animal Health had looked into the shelter after complaints received in 2015 and 2016 detailing overcrowding and dogs spending too much time in kennels too small, the newspaper reports.

In early March, Melhado promised that the kennel would update its crates, draft written protocols and hire a compliance officer. Several days later, Coleman was charged with animal cruelty, after an investigation revealed unsanitary conditions.

Coleman's arraignment is scheduled for March 29 in Framingham District Court.

Read the full Daily News report here

(AP Photo/Michael Probst)