Madoff Scandal Could Force Layoffs At Animal Shelter in West Palm Beach . Fla

Madoff Scandal Could Force Layoffs At Animal Shelter
55 Jobs In Jeopardy Amid Decline In Donations

POSTED: 9:29 pm EST January 13, 2009

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League workers could face layoffs amid a decline in donations from once-wealthy donors amid the Bernie Madoff investment scandal.

WPBF News 25's Terri Parker reported that the league's 55 employees learned last week that their jobs are in jeopardy, despite increasing numbers of abandoned animals in a slumping economy.

Flanked by Chloe, a dog given up in foreclosure, the shelter's director, Joan Radabaugh, said the need to take care of some 7,000 animals a year is growing more urgent by the day.

"We're hoping (layoffs) won't occur, but in reality, if we don't have the annual funding to be able to pay for the staffing, then that will happen," Radabaugh said of the shelter, which runs strictly on donations.

The layoffs could effect even longtime workers, like Perryann Vining, who loves each orphaned animal like her own child.

"Hopefully, my job is secure. I pray that it is. I've been with this company for 10 years, and this is, in fact, my first true love," Vining said.

But every job -- from those who help with lost and found, to those who offer grief counseling, to bereaved owners -- is important.

Vining said she'd probably volunteer here even if she gets laid off.

"(I will) depend on my boyfriend to support me for the time being and would hope that things would change and I would be able to be reunited back here at this organization," she said.

The rescue league's board met at a finance meeting Tuesday morning, but has yet to come to any decisions about cutbacks as they continue to research all options.

Madoff remains under house arrest in his $7 million Manhattan penthouse pending his trial.