Great News From Mayor Wharton Re: Memphis Animal Shelter.

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - Memphis Mayor A C Wharton continued with sweeping changes at the Memphis Animal Shelter Friday, announcing the firing of Animal Services Director Ernest Alexander.

Wharton cited poor performance by Alexander that led to the firing, including inadequate administrative oversite, lack of documentation, and missing original paperwork pertaining to animals at the shelter.

"These are areas that we believe led to some of the unacceptable conditions here," Wharton said. "If you don't have the paperwork, then you didn't do it."

Last month, Shelby County Sheriff's deputies raided the shelter after a whistle blower provided proof of animal starvation there. A search warrant, released earlier this week, showed proof in the form of pictures of a dog that allegedly starved to death in matter of weeks after being admitted to the shelter.

"We have no tolerance, particularly in those areas of direct care of the animals," Wharton said.

Wharton said Darrell Eldridge would be appointed temporary facilities manager at the facility, and Lucy Shaw would act as a consultant.

Eldridge works in general services for the city of Memphis, while Shaw is a former CEO at The Med.

Wharton expressed a goal of raising the level of care at the shelter
to match local hospitals.



GO..AC!