Former Vet Tech Files Grievance on WilCo Animal Shelter (Updated)

On Friday, July 20, Kathy (Lopez) Abdella, represented by the law firm Deats, Durst, Owen & Levy, filed a formal grievance alleging violation of the Texas Whistleblower’s Act after she was terminated on Monday, July 16, from her job as vet tech at the Williamson County Animal Shelter. The filing appeals the decision to terminate her, requests a hearing, and demands that she be given her job back with full benefits. A formal notice to this effect was sent to Judge Dan A. Gattis; commissioners Lisa Birkman, Cynthia Long, Valeria Covey, and Ron Morrison; Human resources director John Willingham; and County Attorney Jana Duty. Abdella’s firing was a “terrible injustice” and violated state and federal law, according to the notice written by attorney Philip Durst. “Kathy was fired very shortly after she spoke to representatives of appropriate law enforcement authorities and after she spoke out to the press about the dangerous and truly heartbreaking conditions at the shelter,” the notice states, as it encourages county officials to work for an “amicable” solution and not force the issue any further.

UPDATE: Due to an editing error, the original headline stated Ms. Abdella had sued the animal shelter. To clarify, she filed a grievance to exhaust all administrative remedies, and if not satisfied, will then pursue a lawsuit. Chronic regrets the error.