Friday, November 6, 2009
Wharton Fires Animal Shelter Director
Posted by Bianca Phillips on Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 11:47 AM
At a press conference held at the animal shelter this morning, Mayor AC Wharton announced that Memphis Animal Services director Ernie Alexander's appointment has been rescinded.
Alexander, who was hired in March 2008 to fill the long-vacant director position, was let go after an investigation found inadequate administrative oversight, a lack of documentation on paperwork, and missing paperwork. Wharton said some of that paperwork pertained to the use of euthanasia drugs.
"That has led to the unacceptable conditions here," said Wharton, standing outside the animal shelter.
The other three shelter employees who were placed on paid suspension after a shelter raid by the Shelby County Sheriff's office last week remain on paid leave.
Wharton announced that he's appointing Lucy Shaw as interim facility coordinator. Shaw once served as the CEO of the Med. Wharton said he's appointing a health care expert because, we're going to have the same level of care [for the animals] as you would want if you were taking your child or grandparent [to the hospital]." Shaw's first task will be to inspect the facility to determine a plan of action for improving shelter operations.
Wharton says he'll also be working with the Memphis City Council to restore funding for a shelter operations manager, a position that was recently slashed from the city budget.
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Former Animal Shelter Director Indicted
At a candlelight vigil in November, animal advocates who were gathered outside Memphis Animal Services on Tchulahoma Road chanted “Fire Alexander! Put him in jail!”
Those advocates may be getting their wish now. That is, if the authorities can locate former Memphis Animal Services director Ernie Alexander. District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced the former director’s indictment for animal cruelty charges this morning, but authorities believe he may be on the run. The Shelby County Sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help in locating Alexander.
- Feb 5, 2010
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Lucy Shaw is an excellent choice. I worked with her years ago on a reorganization project and to this day still utilize the principles and standards that she recommended.
It's good the Mayor is taking this situation so seriously and making real changes at the Animal Shelter. It's been a problem for a long, long time and obviously was not a high priority for the previous administration.
I felt encouraged watching AC's press conference this morning. I really believe this guy is going to tackle many of the ongoing problems that exist in this town. And I'm with Kirantana on the Flyer's coverage. Good work!
I think Lucy Shaw is a great choice as well. I've been a healthcare provider for 15+ years and have the utmost respect for Ms. Shaw.
I applaud the Mayor for taking the situation so seriously. He is correct that these animals are our chosen family members.
It is deplorable that the situation got this bad. Hopefully, they will come up with a workable plan, and perhaps a large volunteer contingent, to help turn the situation around at the shelter.
Thanks for protecting those animals. They deserved better.
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