Residents press Moore council for transparent hiring and oversight at animal shelter

Moore — Dozens of residents used the Feb. 17 citizens forum to press the city for transparency and public participation in hiring the next animal shelter superintendent and to call for stronger life‑saving programs.

Speakers described a pattern of high euthanasia rates, limited acceptance of strays, weak collaboration with rescue and foster groups, and difficulty finding clear outcome data. "This hiring process should include meaningful community input," said Carrie Austin Kish, who urged a public hiring committee and public interviews. Martina Dreyer and other speakers urged recruiting outside leadership with a record of life‑saving results, citing the need to restore public trust before asking voters for additional taxes.

Becca Bean, who cited changes after leadership updates in neighboring Norman, said data should drive the hiring process: "Choose leadership that restores trust. Choose a leader with a direction this community can believe in." Several speakers proposed publishing hiring qualifications and timelines, establishing an ad hoc hiring committee with community representation, and increasing collaboration with rescues and foster programs.

City staff response
The City Trust Manager said staff met with Dennis (Bothwell/Bothell) and are reviewing standards and scheduling interviews in a couple of weeks. "If the right candidate is in that pool, great. We will make a hire. And if not, we will continue to reach out and try and find the right person," staff said.

Why it matters
Speakers tied the shelter leadership issue to broader questions of transparency, stewardship of public funds (including a referenced upcoming sales tax question) and the community's trust in city management of the shelter. Multiple residents said public involvement in hiring would help reestablish confidence and improve outcomes for animals.

Next steps
Staff said interviews are being scheduled and that recruitment will continue if a suitable candidate is not identified. Residents asked council to consider community representation and publicly posted selection criteria.