Few causes generate as much passion in people as rescuing animals. Rhode Island has scores of animal rescue organizations. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised and spent annually in support of these groups and hardly a week passes without a car show, golf tournament, 5-K or fundraising event. Social media is one of many ways to get out the word and bring in the people, especially when it comes to dogs and cats without a home.

But the indelible and easily shared nature of social media can be a double-edged sword.

In the past month a letter written by Earl Newman, who worked at the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for eight years before quitting, most recently as their enforcement officer, has been shared on Facebook numerous times. Newman leveled his sights at President and General Agent, Wayne Kezirian, who spearheaded the RISPCA move from crowded conditions in East Providence to spacious facilities in Warwick, formerly owned by Plan USA. Newman doesn’t have anything good to say about Kezirian, even the new digs that he recognizes are nice but finds too costly and claims will become financially burdensome.

An attorney, Kezirian is careful with what he says.

“I have no comment on anything,” he said when reached by telephone. Soon after that call, however, the Beacon received a call from the RISPCA director of communications.

Of immediate interest to the newspaper was whether the RISPCA, which has the powers of arrest as granted by the General Assembly, would be able to perform those services without Newman.

The director of communications responded by an email stating in part: “President and General Agent, Wayne Kezirian, is an attorney and has been diligently reviewing, prioritizing and addressing animal cruelty complaints while we work to fill our animal cruelty special agent position.  Many of the complaints Wayne has reviewed have been referred to local animal control officers who have been responsive.  However, when necessary, the Rhode Island SPCA has also responded.”

Asked about the enforcement aspect of his job, Newman said he made hundreds of arrests during his tenure with the RISPCA. He said it is not an easy job, yet an important part of the RISPCA mission.

As an example of the work it continues to do in the absence of Newman, the RISPCA referenced a recent hoarding case in Tiverton and a recent matter in Providence that resulted in the surrender of several pit bull type dogs.

Newman’s complaints are not limited to the allocation of funds. He is critical of how Kezirian treats employees and even though he has stepped down as chairman of the board, he remains a board member in addition to being president and general agent of the organization.

“How can you be your own boss,” he asks.

In his letter Newman cites disagreements he allegedly had with Kezirian over his handling of cases.

He writes Kezirian, “has interfered and obstructed the ability of the agency’s law enforcement division and has placed profit over the needs of the animals this agency is dedicated to protect.”

Newman said about 15 of the agency’s 30 employees wrote complaints to the board about Kezirian. In his Facebook post, Newman writes following the June 18 board meeting several members expressed their concerns but no action was taken.

Newman’s letter sparked calls to the Beacon and impassioned Facebook comments.

The statement issued by the RISPCA did not get into personalities. It reads, “The RISPCA also continues to conduct vicious dog hearings and several have been conducted in recent weeks.  The Society has a dedicated staff committed to taking care of all the animals at the shelter until their forever homes are found.  The Society is privately funded and does not receive any governmental financial support for its law enforcement function.”

Asked as to how this might play out, Newman said he was issued a cease and desist order, which he has no intention of following. At this point he said his letter stands and no further action is planned. He doubts anything will change.

Has Kezirian done anything positive for the agency, even its relocation to Warwick and larger facilities?

“Nothing,” responded Newman.