The embattled director of Louisville Metro Animal Services has resigned.Wayne Zelinsky had been interim director since Dr. Gilles Meloche stepped down amid accusations of mistreating animals and employees. Zelinsky was also controversial. He is named in two lawsuits and was allegedly operating an adult-themed entertainment business online. Zelinsky resigned after being confronted about the business."We advised Wayne [Tuesday] night that we were aware of a website that he had up and running and needed to discuss that with him and he came in [Wednesday] morning and resigned," says Mayor Greg Fischer.Last month, Fischer ordered a full review of LMAS and launched a national search for a new director. He said then he would keep Zelinsky in charge of the department, unless the auditors recommended otherwise. Fischer says the search for a permanent director will continue, though he's not sure about the progress of the audit.
"You know, I make it a matter not to really get in the middle of audits while they're going on because they start and then you never know what they're going to find out. They're hard at work right now. We'll get a report on it at the end of the first quarter. We're progressing with the audit, that's all I know at this point," he says.Zelinsky will be replaced by current MetroSafe deputy director Debbie Fox. A permanent director will be named in April.WFPL's Rick Howlett contributed to this report.
