Read Mary Cashiola's take on efforts to retain Memphis' "creatives."
It’s a bad omission ... John Branston has some thoughts.
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this morning, Mayor AC Wharton announced that Memphis Animal Services director Ernie Alexander's appointment has been rescinded.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.
Animal welfare advocates are holding a candlelight vigil at Memphis Animal Services (3456 Tchulahoma Rd.) at 6 p.m. in response to the recent news of abuse and neglect at the city-run shelter.
Last week, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the shelter after a tip came into District Attorney Bill Gibbons’ office alleging abuse. Deputies found malnourished animals (like the one pictured) starved to the point of euthanasia, as well as dogs with rabies placed in cages with healthy dogs. Gibbons said criminal charges are likely.
Mayor AC Wharton has assembled a task force to look into the problem, and cameras have been installed at the shelter. He’s suspended euthanasia at the shelter until the city wraps up a investigation tomorrow. Wharton is expected to further address the problem at a press conference to be held Friday morning.
It's free, it's outdoors, and the current weather couldn't be better — plus, who hasn't missed the enigmatic Harlan T. Bobo, who spent the last several months in France, slinging ice cream and awaiting the birth of his firstborn son, Nino Bobo? More.
The first guinea pigs will be middle schoolers ... John Branston is not sure this is a good idea.