CEDAR RAPIDS – The Cedar Valley Humane Society is supposed to be a safe haven for animals and a place for the community to give cats and dogs a second chance.

But, over the past few months, the organization's board has fired multiple employees, sparking rumors and accusations about euthanasia practices.

Board members insist they're caring for the animals and have even presented statistics showing the number of animals euthanized has declined over the past few months.

However, a passion for animals and a distrust of the humane society's leadership prompted sixty to eighty people to spend Sunday afternoon holding signs along the highway.

"It's our way to be the voice of those that had no choice,” fired former employee Cathy Boyes said, "They are euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals."

Long-time donor Julie Ridge said, "The board has to be accountable. The board has to do something about this and stop it because this does not need to be happening.”

Protesters allege the shelter does not act as a resource or safe haven for animals in need of homes.

"When I'm hearing the numbers of euthanasia going on, that's not a resource anymore. We need more resources,” protester Angela Brubaker said.

Animal advocates believe this public outcry proves the community wants and demands a response.

"Maybe getting a new board. Maybe new management. Maybe a new shelter. This is a big, big city,” Boyes said, “We’re not done yet. We’re going to keep trying to make our voice heard until something is done.”

Despite their dislike of the humane society board, protesters hope people continue to adopt animals from there.

Board President Bernie Lettington and Executive Director Zach Melton both maintain they take excellent care of the dogs and cats at the shelter.

"I think there's just a lot of people that don't have all the facts and are jumping to conclusions and a lot of speculation. It's needless,” Lettington said.

Melton said, "I really don't know where the accusations are coming from...where the heightened sense of worry is coming from…If they feel that passionate and feel they need to be out there raising that level of awareness around those issues, we can’t stop them.”

E-mail Mark Geary at Mark.Geary@kcrg.com or follow him on Twitter.