Third Interim Director of Animal Services Named, Search for Permanent Director Continues

A third interim director of the troubled Louisville Metro Animal Services department has been named.Susan Neumayer comes from the city's Louisville at Work team, which oversaw stimulus spending. She will replace Debbie Fox, who became interim director earlier this year, but planned to return to her job at MetroSafe in April, when Mayor Greg Fischer was expected to name a permanent director.The search for a director has since been extended, and Fox will divide her time between Animal Services and MetroSafe starting next month. There's no timeline for naming a permanent director.Before Fox, the department was run by Wayne Zelinsky, who resigned earlier this year after it was revealed he operated a security service website for patrons of adult entertainment.Zelinsky himself was an interim director. He replaced Dr. Gilles Meloche, who resigned amid allegations of mistreatment of animals and improper behavior. Both Meloche and Zelinsky were the subject of a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by employees.In addition to the leadership change, Animal Services will now work with the Kentucky Humane Society to improve the adoption rate. As part of the efforts, adoption facility hours have been changed.From Metro Government: Animal Services, 3705 Manslick To obtain a license, pay fees and clerical processing for releasing pets back to their owners: Monday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Animal Services will continue to operate seven days a week for the intake of animals and for lost and found strays brought in by Animal Control Officers. Kennels are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for people to reclaim lost pets or to adopt at the 3705 Manslick Road location. Animal House Adoption Center, 3516 Newburg Road Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – Noon to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday  –  Noon to 7:00 p.m. Monday – closed