Humane Societies Official Resigns In Newark: ‘More Change Needed’

NEWARK, NJ — A top-ranking executive with New Jersey’s largest nonprofit animal shelter system has resigned from his post, charging that “more change is needed” at the embattled Associated Humane Societies (AHS).

Earlier this week, Rob Russotti, an assistant executive director with AHS, announced his resignation, claiming that “irreconcilable differences” with the organization were behind his decision.

In addition to its Newark facility, the AHS, which describes itself as "largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey," maintains shelters in Forked River and Tinton Falls. It also operates the Popcorn Park Zoo.

It currently contracts with the City of Newark and several other New Jersey towns to provide animal sheltering services.

Russotti told Patch that he resigned because of irreconcilable differences, some “substantive policy reasons” and “a lack of acknowledgment and appreciation of the positive changes” from the AHS board of directors.

“I can unequivocally state that I was disappointed with my expectations of support, and an ongoing antiquated culture by certain members of the board,” Russotti said. “I did meet with internal resistance and undermining to my progressive initiatives which were supported by respected animal welfare organizations and the community.”

“The ongoing AHS controversy should not detract from the best interests of the animals that need to be addressed immediately,” Russotti said. “Their lives depend on it.”

The City of Newark has had a checkered past with the organization. In November 2018, it pulled the plug on its longtime contract with the AHS after a dust-up over finances, temporarily using St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison for sheltering services.

• See related article: Money War Between Newark, Animal Shelter Erupts
• See related article: Newark Switches Animal Shelters: Goodbye AHS, Hello St. Hubert's

The new arrangement didn’t last long.

In May, Newark officials began a new, “temporary emergency contract” with the AHS after St. Hubert’s was unable to continue service to the city. However, Russotti didn’t fault Newark for its failure to find another provider.

“In addition, I would like to thank the people within the local government of the City of Newark for working with me, and with our mutual understanding of our limitations,” Russotti said. “I hope that the city does open a shelter without delay and puts in place a reputable organization to run it.”

“In the time I was part of AHS, the core staff and volunteers stepped up and we were able together, to put strength and order into changing the old culture and dysfunction,” Russotti wrote. “More change is needed and a consultant while useful, will not work unless he/she is listened to. I wish I could have had the ability and internal support to stay on and do much more, but the ball is rolling and the public needs to step up now and help to keep it going.”

Russotti took over his post in 2017, shortly after former AHS executive director Roseann Trezza was hit with several animal cruelty charges following a scathing inspection of the Newark shelter.

• See related article: NJ Inspectors Find Grim Violations At Newark Animal Shelter

The charges were dismissed last year as part of a plea deal that will allow Trezza to return to the helm of operations at AHS after a two-year probation period.

• See related article: NJ Animal Shelter Director May Get Job Back After Alleged Cruelty

During his tenure, Russotti served as an assistant executive director for the entire AHS organization. However, Interim Executive Director John Bergman told Patch that Russotti was only assigned duties pertaining to the Newark shelter.

Bergman said Russotti had previously told him the resignation was made for financial reasons.

“We’re interviewing people but we don’t have anything set in stone at this point,” Bergman said Wednesday, when asked about a possible timeframe for picking Russotti’s replacement.

“The people that are already there are coming together and taking care of stuff,” he said, adding that two weeks is “kind of quick notice” to replace an assistant director.

Newark residents can call AHS directly at 973-824 -7080 to arrange for owner surrender of animals, to reclaim lost pets and for pet adoptions. For animal control services related to pick up of strays, wildlife and deceased animals in Newark, residents can call the city’s 4311 hotline for assistance.

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