The dogs are back at Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society.

Barking rang over the phone line from a room of full kennels as Dede Barton, who recently took over as director of BENCHS, spoke about changes at the humane society since a soft closure last year.

Barton and other new leaders at the Mankato animal shelter say they're hoping for a fresh start after staff resignations and a contentious debate over pet euthanasia last year.

BENCHS has seen a complete board turnover, with new members and a new board president, treasurer and secretary.

The goal is regaining the public's trust — and cleaning up a dire financial situation, said Barton.

Staff turmoil over the past two years led to a drop-off in donations. In 2024, the animal shelter faced a deficit of $163,000, and the shelter will need $300,000 to get back on track, Barton said.

"We're really just starting from scratch," Barton said.

BENCHS, a nonprofit organization, has been a sanctuary for thousands of cats and dogs in Mankato over the decades.

The shelter faced a crisis last year when staff accused the board of overreach and ignoring recommendations to euthanize dogs with severe behavioral problems.

The conflict led to an exodus of staff, including the executive director and shelter manager.

Barton, who comes to BENCHS with experience running Waseca's humane society, said she took on the role of director on the condition that she is in control of all shelter decisions — and not the board.

Previous board members were asked to step aside and there is an entirely new slate, Barton said.

John Brady, previous president of BENCHS, has acknowledged board overreach that affected the staff. He said he resigned out of a belief that new people should lead the humane society. "The organization is in good hands," Brady said Wednesday.

Terri Hanson Estes, new BENCHS board president, said she asked existing board members to step aside "to create the space for the essential changes necessary to ensure BENCHS' survival and future success."

The goal is to "rebuild trust" and restore financial stability, said Estes, who has 17 years of experience at BENCHS and at Mending Spirits Animal Rescue in Mankato.

Other goals include hiring a surgical veterinarian, nurturing staff and being a resource for smaller animal rescues in the area, Estes and Barton said.

BENCHS does not plan to renew its partnership with the city of Mankato for animal care services, Barton added.

In November, board members at BENCHS voted to end their $6,600 annual contract with Mankato for animal impound services.

The city of Mankato afterward opened its own impound for lost or stray dogs. Since Jan. 1, the city's pound has received seven dogs, a city spokesman said.

Supporters of BENCHS say they hope the humane society doesn't shut down. The shelter is currently fundraising by selling roses.

And Brooklyn Wiltscheck, stylist at Tell Me A Hairy Tale hair salon, is giving a discount on a haircut or treatment to anyone who donates to BENCHS.

Wiltscheck said Wednesday that she hopes BENCHS can regain the public's trust.

"I just don't want to see them go under," she said. "I really hope that it's not too late."