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tom.powell@wreg.com
tompowell3 on Twitter
(Memphis 11/4,/2009) Memphis Mayor A C Wharton has given an executive order that prevents any animals at the Memphis Animal Shelter from being euthanized until he is assured proper safeguards are in place.
Wharton also announced animal control officers will temporarily not respond to calls about stray dogs because the shelter is simply too crowded. "I know that's a bit drastic, but it is inhumane to keep putting them there," he said.
Amid growing outrage from the public over problems at the shelter, Wharton came forward Wednesday night to answer questions from the media.
He was asked whether the public can be assured the animals are being well taken care of, even though the same people are running the shelter that were in place before last week's raid. Wharton says volunteers, members of the Animal Shelter Task Force, and Division Director Janet Hooks are all keeping a close eye on the day-to-day operations at the shelter.
Wharton says surveillance cameras will be installed and ready to be viewed on line by Friday.
WREG News Channel 3 viewers have been posting comments, wondering if and when Wharton will fire or take disciplinary action against any of the shelter's employees or supervisors. "I want to assure the public our interest is in doing it right, not simply doing it fast," Wharton said.
Mayor Wharton said he will announce more definitive action on Friday, but he made it clear he's not pleased with how the shelter is being managed. "A person can be just the greatest lover of pets and animals, but then not have the management skills that are necessary. I am not satisfied with the management. I will put it that way," Wharton said.
A candlelight vigil will be held in response to the raid at the Memphis Animal Shelter Thursday at 6:00 P.M. at the shelter located on Tchulahoma.
- Wharton Not Happy With Shelter Management
- Mayor Will Announce Definitive Action on Friday
- Executive Order Stops Euthanasia at Shelter
- Vigil Thursday at 6pm at animal shelter
tom.powell@wreg.com
tompowell3 on Twitter
(Memphis 11/4,/2009) Memphis Mayor A C Wharton has given an executive order that prevents any animals at the Memphis Animal Shelter from being euthanized until he is assured proper safeguards are in place.
Wharton also announced animal control officers will temporarily not respond to calls about stray dogs because the shelter is simply too crowded. "I know that's a bit drastic, but it is inhumane to keep putting them there," he said.
Amid growing outrage from the public over problems at the shelter, Wharton came forward Wednesday night to answer questions from the media.
He was asked whether the public can be assured the animals are being well taken care of, even though the same people are running the shelter that were in place before last week's raid. Wharton says volunteers, members of the Animal Shelter Task Force, and Division Director Janet Hooks are all keeping a close eye on the day-to-day operations at the shelter.
Wharton says surveillance cameras will be installed and ready to be viewed on line by Friday.
WREG News Channel 3 viewers have been posting comments, wondering if and when Wharton will fire or take disciplinary action against any of the shelter's employees or supervisors. "I want to assure the public our interest is in doing it right, not simply doing it fast," Wharton said.
Mayor Wharton said he will announce more definitive action on Friday, but he made it clear he's not pleased with how the shelter is being managed. "A person can be just the greatest lover of pets and animals, but then not have the management skills that are necessary. I am not satisfied with the management. I will put it that way," Wharton said.
A candlelight vigil will be held in response to the raid at the Memphis Animal Shelter Thursday at 6:00 P.M. at the shelter located on Tchulahoma.
