"We have not been served with a copy of any lawsuit, but from our limited understanding of the allegations, this is yet another ploy to distract the public from the real issue, which is improving the working conditions of these animals so that they are not the harshest in the country," Charleston Animal Society spokeswoman Kay Hyman said. "Once we receive the lawsuit, we will, of course, respond in a factual and expedient manner, as we always have, but these continuing tactics will not discourage us from advocating for more humane working conditions for the animals. We hope the media will focus on our current animal crisis, nearly 900 animals in our care, most of whom need homes now. We are offering free adoptions of all adult dogs and cats NOW, sponsored by the ESPN Podcast 'Free Cookies.'"