The Manager was allowed to resign today. He said he had
caused "irreversible harm to public trust."




Leadership shake-up following unexplained euthanizations

Posted: March 31, 2008 05:21 PM EDT

Updated: March 31, 2008 06:56 PM EDT


ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - The Anderson Animal Shelter started off the year with problems. Sixty four animals were euthanized because of a contagious disease.

On Wednesday, 28 unexplained euthanizations occurred at the shelter and the mayor wanted to know why.

"We immediately had some people come forward and say this was unexplainable," said Mayor Kris Ockomon.

In fact, Mayor Ockomon said a Doberman mix, named Nick, was about to get a new home.

"The adoptive folks had not arrived yet, and that dog was put down," said Mayor Ockomon.

Shelter Director Larry Russell resigned and said he caused "irreversible harm to public trust."

In the interim, the mayor put a team of veterinarians in charge. Mayor Ockomon said you can already see improvements.

"We have care documentation, better records already," said Mayor Ockomon.

He is now looking for alternative ways to run the shelter.

"Our ultimate goal is to make it a county facility, including county government. Also the Humane Society, as well as, incorporating all those together," said Mayor Ockomon.

Madison County Humane Society Director Richard Chandler said sharing city funds would help all the animals. But the society would not want to follow some city rules and regulations.

"By it being city controlled, they'd be euthanizing and we do not believe in euthanizing. Because out there somewhere there is a home for every animal we have," said Chandler.

The mayor will hold a public meeting on April 9 to discuss new operating options and get the publics opinion.

Report by Jennifer McGilvray, WISH-TV. Edited by Hyacinth Williams.