HOUSTON — A former City of Katy animal control officer claims she was fired for reporting the improper euthanizing of animals and other illegal activity.
Chelsea Gerber filed a complaint Nov. 2 in Harris County District Court against The City of Katy Texas alleging whistleblower retaliation and other claims.
Gerber, according to her complaint, began working as a part time animal control officer for the City of Katy in May of 2019. She alleges that she witnessed the improper euthanizing of animals in the garbage, the use of improper dosages which caused slow deaths and seizures of the animals and improperly securing of lethal drugs.
Gerber further alleges that the animal control supervisor David Brown, falsified records and the intake of animals. She claims that in June of 2020, she reported the incidents and then faced retaliation including Brown taking photos of her home and falsely reporting she violated a City ordinance by having a political sign in her yard. She also claims she was investigated over other unfounded violations, faced a suspension and was eventually terminated on Aug. 10, 2021. As a result, she claims she suffered lost wages and other damages.
Gerber seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Derrick Reed, Marrick Armstrong and Ghazal Vahora of Stephens Reed & Armstrong PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-72253