20-02-2025
Positions remain open at Memphis Animal Services, no oversight board yet
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — WREG Investigators have uncovered new information about Memphis Animal Services, and it seems promises haven't been kept.
No permanent director has been hired, a dozen positions remain open, and the oversight board has yet to happen.
We got a copy of the letter sent Dec. 3 to Ty Coleman. The brief statement let him know his appointment as Memphis Animal Services' executive director had been terminated.
Memphis Animal Services Director fired
It marked an end to a several-month investigation. In June, a dog died in the MAS outdoor play yard. According to MAS' social media post, it was likely due to heat.
From there, more concerns emerged.
In January 2024, Coleman's appointment became permanent, and according to records, staff began leaving soon after.
Fourteen people resigned during the first half of 2024 including two veterinarians who'd been at MAS for years. One wrote in her resignation letter, 'the environment as it exists is not one I found compatible with my values and processes.'
It didn't go into further detail, but another report did. Coleman commissioned a nonprofit last year to assess MAS.
The results noted a lack of centralized leadership, guidance, unprofessional culture, issues with operating procedures and disease control protocols.
A lengthy list that could have been brought to and addressed by the MAS Advisory Committee. It's an oversight board designed to keep tabs on the shelter to make sure operations are efficient and humane.
'They have not met in some time. They were all appointed by the prior mayor,' Antonio Adams told the council in October.
Unclear how often city's animal shelter board actually met
MAS' interim director also chimed in. She said they were trying new ways to recruit staff and also requested an outside comprehensive review of operations and procedures.
'Nominations for the advisory board members will be presented at the council's next meeting,' Mary Claire Borys said.
It's now February. That has yet to happen.
MAS told us in a recent statement, 'We completed our part in the nomination process and are now awaiting final vetting from the mayor's office before presenting the candidates to the city council for approval.'
It went on to say the search for a permanent director also remains open as they're 'approaching this search with intention and care.'
Add that to the three part-time and nine full-time positions open, including two full-time vets.
MAS stated right now, they have a 'part-time vet' remaining on board plus 'regular support from two additional veterinarians with two relief vets assisting as needed.'
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Through the Tennessee Records Act, we found out MAS has only hired three people between August and January — two animal care techs and a marketing and communications person — despite the long list of openings
'The stray population has been an issue in Memphis for several years now,' animal advocate Suzy Hollenbach stated. She's with All 4s Rescue League.
She and other animal advocates have told us time and time again, there has to be more resources and staff dedicated to the shelter to really get to the root issues.
'We need to focus on spay and neuter,' Hollenbach said.
Otherwise, there's concern the shelter will be overwhelmed and tragedies will happen like what we saw last month.
MAS was forced to euthanize 100 dogs due to a distemper outbreak.
Nearly 100 dogs euthanized at Memphis animal shelter due to distemper outbreak
In his weekly news blast, the mayor begged the community to stop with the 'negative comments.' He stated staff at MAS is working hard and 'deserve your respect.'
The shelter has since opened back up.
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