Is this the same Lorsch? - Robert Lorsch caption more. E.g., Tr. 2190-2195. A task force was created in response to a motion of the ... Lorsch announced the WWS's institution of “Operation Mole.”
www.dm.usda.gov/oaljdecisions/080804_AWA_03-0034D.pdf
Extract -
In re: ) AWA Docket No. 03-0034
)
MARTINE COLETTE, an individual; )
WILDLIFE WAYSTATION, a California )
corporation; and
ROBERT H. LORSCH, an )
individual
One of Respondent Lorsch’s columns was referenced a number of times in this proceeding. In his “best friend” letter in the spring 2003 Wildlife Waystation Magazine Lorsch announced the WWS’s institution of “Operation Mole.” CX 19, pp. 2-3. Lorsch testified that he was concerned that several present and former WWS employees and volunteers were spreading unfounded stories to a variety of government officials and were slandering the WWS, even though non-disclosure agreements were signed by employees and volunteers. Believing that people who discover problems and go to authorities instead of management are “in the gutter,” Tr. 3180, and reacting to what he believed were threats and harassment, he announced in his letter that “ a Waystation ‘best friend’” would provide a $100 reward or a $250 charitable organization for anyone who could identify those who were providing “regulators” “inaccurate information” with the award to be doubled if the individual identified was a current volunteer or employee of the WWS. Apparently there were no takers for this program.
Testimony was overwhelming that Lorsch did not have a role in the day to day operations of the WWS. (e.g., Tr. 2240-2250, 3821-3873). While the figurative altitude varied, Lorsch was described, by himself and others, as someone who operates at 50,000 feet, rather than at ground level, as a “big picture” person, rather than someone who is concerned with details. Tr. 3896-3897. It is clear that he knew very little, if anything, about how to care for animals, what type of staff was necessary to properly operate the facility, how the cages should be constructed, etc. It is clear that he did not know much about the animals at the facility, only that he wanted to help the WWS work out its differences with the USDA, the State of California, the County of Los Angeles and any other government entities that the WWS was dealing with.
www.dm.usda.gov/oaljdecisions/080804_AWA_03-0034D.pdf
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