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Abramson meets with Animal Services employees

By Bennett Haeberle WDRB-TV Fox 41 News

As the turmoil with Metro Animal Services continues to grow, Mayor Jerry Abramson began his week with a rare visit to the city's animal shelter where he met with employees and volunteers during a close-door meeting.

The exchange was brief -- a little more than ten minutes -- and he emerged to explain to reporters that he wanted to "thank" the employees and encourage them to move forward despite the allegations of wrong-doing.

"There has been a lot of turmoil. I thought it was important to tell (them) how much I appreciate the work they've done," said Jerry Abramson, Louisville mayor.

Lisa Hoyer is a volunteer who attended the meeting and claims conditions at the shelter are still bad.

"It was just real cut and dry. It was nothing special," said Hoyer. "I appreciate him coming out but I don't see what he did. I asked him, 'I've never seen the quarantine room would you like to go with me.' He said 'No.' I said 'it's bad.'"

Hoyer says many of the animals are sick and that more volunteers are needed.

"Sometimes it's deplorable. There are animals in there that need veterinary care. I can't get a straight answer," said Hoyer.

The department's director, Dr. Gilles Meloche, resigned last month amid allegations of mismanagement, sexual harassment and mistreatment of animals. He is also currently under investigation by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners.

Abramson admitted there was turmoil, but skirted questions about Meloche's job performance. When asked if Meloche's tenure was a success, Abramson said: "Well it depends how you define success. Was he a change agent? Yes, he was a change agent."

Abramson also praised him for working to increase the number of animals adopted each month.

Since his resignation two weeks ago, a lawsuit has been filed in Jefferson Circuit Court claiming Meloche sexually harassed former animal care manager, Dawn Simpson. Another complaint filed in U.S. District court claims a couple's constitutional rights were violated when animal control officers conducted a "sting operation" in an effort to ensure dog owner's who were selling puppies had proper licenses and permits.

City leaders and animal enthusiasts have also been critical that the department has gone two years without an incinerator to dispose of dead animals despite $100,000 being allocated from the Metro Council in 2007.

"We put the bids out as we speak," said Abramson.

He refused to answer what would happen if bid for the incinerator was more than the $100,000 previously budgeted.

"I'm not prepared to debate this on television," said Abramson.

After two years and two failed bid attempts, Abramson says the city will again attempt to buy an incinerator for the Manslick Road location even though it will eventually have to be moved to the new animal shelter once it is completed.

Right now, thousands of dead animals are dumped at the Outer Loop Landfill each year.