Puppy Killer to Take on Powerful Government Role
Trump Nominates Aide Accused of Animal Cruelty to Key Post
Former EPA Chief Scott Pruitt, facing multiple allegations of animal abuse, set to lead Department of Interior
WASHINGTON - Former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief Scott Pruitt has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Department of the Interior (DOI), drawing outrage from animal rights advocates who accuse Pruitt of animal cruelty.
Pruitt, a close ally of Trump, has denied the allegations against him, which include claims that he abandoned dogs at shelters and failed to provide proper care for animals on his Oklahoma ranch.
The DOI is responsible for managing the nation's public lands, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and other protected areas. Animal welfare groups say Pruitt's nomination is a threat to wildlife and the environment.
"Pruitt has a long history of putting polluters ahead of the environment and animals," said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States. "He is unfit to lead the Department of the Interior, which is responsible for protecting our nation's natural resources."
The allegations against Pruitt first came to light in 2018, when the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) investigated complaints that Pruitt had abandoned dogs at shelters. The DEQ found evidence to support the claims and fined Pruitt $1,000.
Pruitt has also been accused of failing to provide proper care for animals on his Oklahoma ranch. Former employees of the ranch have alleged that Pruitt kept animals in unsanitary conditions and failed to provide them with adequate food and water.
Pruitt has denied the allegations, calling them "false and malicious." He has also said that he is a "strong supporter of animal welfare" and that he has "always treated animals with compassion and care."
Despite Pruitt's denials, the allegations have raised concerns about his fitness to lead the DOI. Animal welfare groups are urging the Senate to reject Pruitt's nomination.
"Pruitt's record on animal cruelty is disqualifying," said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society International. "He should not be allowed to lead the Department of the Interior, which is responsible for protecting our nation's wildlife."
The Senate is expected to vote on Pruitt's nomination in the coming weeks. It is unclear whether Pruitt will be able to overcome the allegations against him and win confirmation.
