The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County said Wednesday that CEO Leslie Dalzell is leaving the organization, weeks after a fatal dog attack at a Tacoma City Marathon event triggered public backlash over the shelter’s handling of dogs at off-site appearances.
The board of directors thanked Dalzell for her time and contributions to Tacoma Humane, but did not give a reason for her departure and did not mention the marathon incident in its announcement. The board said it will take on leadership responsibilities during the transition and has hired Peregrine Team to help identify the organization’s next leader.
The leadership change lands after a case that has shadowed Tacoma Humane for weeks. On May 3, a dog being showcased for adoption by the shelter fatally attacked another dog at Dune Peninsula Park during the Tacoma City Marathon. Witnesses said the dog, named Dallas, was wearing an Adopt Me vest and was being handled by a Tacoma Humane volunteer in the finish area when it killed an attendee’s pet dog.
Tacoma Humane later said it took full responsibility and apologized to the affected family and community. The shelter said the dog had been adopted but returned to the shelter two days before the attack, and that it was euthanized afterward after being classified as dangerous. In the days that followed, the organization paused bringing shelter dogs to off-site events while it reviewed its protocols and safety procedures, then said it would increase staffing at events, expand volunteer training and seek a third-party review of its processes.
Even with Dalzell’s departure, the organization has not said she is being pushed out because of the attack, and the board made clear it wants stability rather than a reset. It said Tacoma Humane’s commitment to long-term sustainability, operational excellence and community-centered services remains unchanged, and that the board and staff remain dedicated to helping animals across Pierce County find loving homes and supporting the people who love them.
For Tacoma Humane, the immediate question is not whether the controversy has passed. It is whether the shelter can rebuild trust while continuing the reforms it promised after the attack, without the leadership turmoil becoming another reason the public keeps looking over its shoulder.
