The Philadelphia Inquirer reported today that Pennsylvania’s attorney general had initiated an audit of the Montgomery County SPCA following an investigation by The Inquirer, complaints about the Conshohocken facility, and a subsequent protest.

The organization’s longtime executive director, Carmen Ronio, resigned following the recent focus on the issues at the facility.

From the Inquirer’s article about the audit:

Pennsylvania’s attorney general has launched an audit of the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, deepening scrutiny into the wealthy shelter amid a leadership shake-up and ongoing reforms.

A spokesperson for Attorney General Michelle A. Henry declined to confirm the existence of an investigation. But staff members said they learned of the audit earlier this month and April Lownes-Hostler, president of the SPCA board of directors, confirmed that the shelter is cooperating with the state prosecutor’s office.

“We are in communication with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and intend to fully cooperate with its request for information,” Lownes-Hostler said. “While we can’t comment further, it is longstanding MCSPCA policy to voluntarily collaborate and share information with all of our regulators, and we continue to do so through this period of transition.”

The audit is the most significant government action to follow an Inquirer investigation that unearthed signs of mismanagement, hazardous conditions, and animal mistreatment at the wealthiest animal shelter in the state. Since that report was published in September, the SPCA board has sought a series of changes amid backlash from animal welfare advocates and shelters in the region.

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