Leslie Dalzell departs Tacoma Humane after Poodle-related attack
poodle concerns still hung over the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County on Wednesday, when the organization said CEO Leslie Dalzell is departing. The change comes weeks after a dog being shown for adoption fatally attacked another dog at the Tacoma City Marathon.
The board of directors said it will take over leadership duties during the transition. It also said Tacoma Humane hired Peregrine Team, a national executive search and leadership consulting firm, to help identify the organization’s next leader.
Tacoma City Marathon attack
The scrutiny began on May 3 at Dune Peninsula Park, where a dog being showcased for adoption by Tacoma Humane fatally attacked another dog during the Tacoma City Marathon. Witnesses said the attacking dog, Dallas, wore an Adopt Me vest and was being handled by a Tacoma Humane volunteer at the marathon finish area when it killed an attendee’s pet dog.
Tacoma Humane later said Dallas had been adopted but returned to the shelter two days before the attack. The organization said it took “full responsibility” and apologized to the affected family and community. It also said Dallas was euthanized after being classified as dangerous.
Board transition at Tacoma Humane
In its Wednesday statement, the board thanked Dalzell for her “time and contributions” to Tacoma Humane. It said, “During this transition, the Board of Directors will assume leadership responsibilities to ensure continuity of operations and uninterrupted service to the animals and families we serve.”
The board’s statement did not mention the marathon incident. Tacoma Humane had already paused bringing shelter dogs to off-site events while it reviewed its protocols and safety procedures.
What Tacoma Humane changed
After the attack, Tacoma Humane said it would increase staffing at events, expand volunteer training, and seek a third-party review of its processes. The board also said the organization’s “commitment to long-term sustainability, operational excellence, and community-centered services remains unchanged.”
For people who rely on the shelter, the practical change is the leadership handoff itself: the board is now running the transition while outside consultants help identify the next chief executive. The broader review of event practices and safety procedures remains part of the organization’s response after the fatal attack.
