MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ty Coleman, director of Memphis Animal Services, was fired by Mayor Paul Young on Dec. 3, according to a City of Memphis official.
The City of Memphis said Mayor Paul Young ended Ty Coleman's appointment as the Director of Memphis Animal Services, effective immediately.
Coleman began working as interim director on September 5, 2023, after previously serving as animal services manager for the City of Midland and animal services director for the City of Sherman. He was confirmed as director in January 2024.
Mary Claire Borys began working as interim director after an investigation into Coleman was announced in July. Now that Coleman has been fired, officials said Borys will continue in her role as long-term solutions are explored.
"The city remains committed to transparency and will keep the community updated as the shelter management situation evolves," said city officials.
Officials said the director position will be posted on the City’s HR portal within the week.
COLEMAN INVESTIGATION
In July, Memphis Animal Services (MAS) said an investigation into Coleman was underway after a dog died in its play yard.
MAS said the dog died on June 24, 2024, after being found unresponsive in the play yard at the shelter on Appling Cove. In a statement,
MAS said preliminary information suggested the dog’s death was heat-related.
Coleman had been let go from his Midland job in April 2023 after almost a year heading their shelter, according to his personnel file obtained by ABC24. The only explanation the city provided was that he did not pass the probationary period.
ABC24 reached out to Midland officials to inquire about the discharge, but the city did not provide further comment.
Since Coleman took the reins in Memphis in September 2023, 20 employees resigned, with 10 of those resignations coming in May and June. Out of those 10, two were full-time veterinarians and four were supervisors.
City officials discussed the MAS investigation on the dog’s death during a city council committee meeting Tuesday, July 23, and said a performance plan had been implemented but that the investigation was still ongoing.
Borys and City of Memphis Chief Operating Officer Antonio Adams addressed the council committee saying that the investigation was ongoing, but in the next 30 days, the improvement plan sought to stabilize operations and complete the internal investigation.
Adams said that he was hesitant to speak on the investigation, citing "serious allegations."
"There are serious allegations against this young man, and before we put them out there publicly, we should allow the investigation itself to rest and then allow his due process to run its course," Adams had said.