Appeals court restores whistleblower lawsuit

CADILLAC (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals has revived a lawsuit by a woman who said her work hours were cut and her duties changed after she raised questions about how animals were euthanized at a shelter in Wexford County.

A judge in Cadillac had ruled in favor of the county and dismissed Kathy Dennis’ whistleblower lawsuit.

But the appeals court last week reversed parts of the judge’s decision and said some issues should be presented to a jury.

Dennis says she was concerned in 2012 with how some employees were euthanizing animals. She also raised questions about how money was being spent.

The appeals court says a jury can sort out whether Dennis’ work hours were changed in retaliation.