Monmouth SPCA Chief Resigns Amid Controversy

The head of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA) has resigned amid allegations he sent racist and homophobic text messages to members of his staff.

Victor "Buddy" Amato says he had been planning to retire later this year anyway.  He and the agency are named in a lawsuit filed earlier this month.

NJ.com reports the texts in question contained offensive comments about women and minorities, including one that compared First Lady Michelle Obama to a chimpanzee.  MCSPCA CEO Jerry Rosenthal released the following statement regarding the situation:

"The Monmouth County SPCA has a zero tolerance policy against discrimination and harassment. These allegations have been taken very seriously and have been under a thorough investigation. Victor Amato has resigned from his position as Chief of Law Enforcement for the Monmouth County SPCA.  A new chief has not been named at this time. During this transition, the NJSPCA will be providing support to enforce the animal cruelty laws in Monmouth County."