MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A performance improvement plan has been implemented for Memphis Animal Services as the investigation into director Ty Coleman continues.
Coleman was placed on leave after MAS announced an investigation following a dog that died in its play yard on June 24.
In a statement, MAS officials said preliminary information suggested the dog’s death was heat-related, but an exact cause of death has not been determined.
The city named community development administrator Mary Claire Borys as interim director of MAS.
Borys and City of Memphis Chief Operating Officer Antonio Adams addressed the council committee saying that the investigation was ongoing, but in the next thirty 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 said.
The improvement plan also lists immediate goals within the next 30 days to increase spay and neuter surgeries, re-establish the advisory board, stabilize the vet services and hire staff.
The plan also includes a 60 and 90 day plan, as well as a 6 month plan.
Short term goals in the next 60 days include ensuring vaccinations for shelter and foster care, procure a spay and neuter van, ensure that staff are in place and programs are implemented with continuing education, refine and revise adoption and rescue procedures and improve the facility.
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.
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.