Dear Editor,

I’m writing about the article on Tuesday, Oct. 2, “Man asked to leave animal shelter after altercation.”

Many of Evonne Swanson’s statements are not true. She accused me of declining to volunteer. On Aug. 13, I attended a board meeting. Swanson told me she (Swanson) had filled out a rescue report for a bite dog, saying it had left the county when in fact it was at her house, and if Tommy Jarrell found out, he would be mad. I requested a copy of July’s animal report and corporate bylaws. Swanson promised me Director Davis would email them the next day and Davis agreed.

They didn’t come. I emailed five other requests for the documents to Davis on Aug. 14, 29, and 31, and to Swanson on Aug. 16 and both on Sept. 12. I was volunteering during this time. The Sept. 12, email angered Swanson and she sent me a blistering letter. You should see the offensive letter she sent Dr. Cooley. The Daily Journal has my copies of 26 emails to and from rescues, 13 emails between me and Swanson, 17 emails between me and Davis. Nine foster agreements including seven dogs on Sept. 5. And Swanson said I declined to help?

I was not inside as she accused. I was prevented from entering. The day before, Swanson, my daughter and I walked through the same room together after she asked me to foster a dog with mange. When I called her she turned on me, so we argued as I walked to the car. I complained they had healthy dogs with sick dogs, but didn’t threaten to take over the shelter that day.

Russ Fincham

Rockingham