North Shore Animal League changes guard, offers free neutering
From ANIMAL PEOPLE, April 1993:
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. –– North Shore Animal League president David Ganz resigned
March 1, just as the March issue of ANIMAL PEOPLE reached readers with a page one probe of NSAL’s
unconventional approach to promoting adoptions and neutering. The investigation discovered that the NSAL
approach is substantially reducing both pet overpopulation and euthanasia rates wherever tried, and found little
current evidence to support criticisms often directed at NSAL by more conventional humane groups.
Although a successor to Ganz was not named immediately, NSAL chairperson Elizabeth Lewyt said,
“It is business as usual at NSAL, with all divisions running smoothly,” adding, “All NSAL programs and poli-
cies, including support and assistance for other animal shelters, will continue without interuption.”
NSAL attorney John Stevenson is now acting chief executive officer. “As chairprerson,” Lewyt con-
tinued, “I am now taking a more active role in the management of the shelter.”
As Lewyt’s first public action, she announced that, “Commencing April 1, NSAL will be providing
free spaying and neutering to all NSAL adopters.”
A cofounder of the 48-year-old shelter, Lewyt is widow of longtime NSAL president Alexander
Lewyt. “For close to 50 years, saving animals’ lives has been NSAL’s top priority,” she said, “and I pledge to
fulfill this commitment.”
Ganz, at $220,000 a year, had been the highest-paid individual in the humane field, by a margin of
over $50,000. “Differences of opinion arose between Mr. Ganz and the members of NSAL’s board of direc-
tors,” explained Lewyt, “which resulted in a parting of the ways.” Lewyt did not elaborate, but according to
some reports, Ganz’ wife, also a NSAL staffer, was dismissed the day before. The Ganz’ departures were said
by these sources to resolve a conflict with longtime NSAL chief veterinarian Edward Hamilton, who briefly
left the organization but is now back on duty.
With assets of $58 million and an annual budget of $26 million, NSAL is the wealthiest animal pro-
tection group in the United States, and perhaps the world.
