ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is reacting to recent news regarding leadership and animal care issues at the shelter.

Dozens of former employees and volunteers have been writing and posting letters on problems they see at the shelter, such as a hostile work environment and poor animal care.

These issues allegedly have led to very high turnover, mental health concerns and other problems at the shelter.

Earlier this week, the CASPCA Board of Directors released a statement that said current shelter leadership would remain in place.

On Friday, the shelter released this statement in response to the original letter to the board:

It is with great regret that we find it necessary to respond to a letter written to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA Board of Directors concerning the management of the organization and the poor treatment of the animals by former and current staff and volunteers. 

CASPCA Chief Executive Officer Angie Gunter enjoys positive feedback from the community and has the full support of the Board of Directors. Her commitment to the animals has been exemplary, and she is committed to the wellbeing of the staff. 

SPCA reports animal custody records to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) on an annual basis as required by law, and is inspected by the Office of State Veterinarians to ensure that all facets of the care being provided are compliant with Virginia law. There has been no evidence of animal neglect or cruelty. 

We will continue to work closely with the Board, the staff, the volunteers and the community with the goal of making the shelter a better place for the animals and the staff that come to work every day. Once we have a time for reflection, we will build relationships based on trust, innovation and best practices. 

A protest is reportedly being planned for Friday evening at the animal shelter.