Amid controversy, city hires new animal services officer

After animal advocates called for a reevaluation of the hiring process for the new animal services officer last week, a Facebook post from Don Bland’s personal account surfaced yesterday with the news that the city had hired him. A spokesman for the city confirmed that Bland has been selected to fill the position. Bland, who was previously the executive director of the Humane Society of Central Texas, was one of two candidates in the running to replace Kimberly McNeeley, who has been serving as interim chief animal services officer since Lee Ann Shenefiel left in January. Larry Tucker, who in conjunction with Austin Pets Alive! president Ellen Jefferson took the lead on calling for the redo of the hiring process, told the Austin Monitor now that the official decision has been made, “We are more than willing to roll up our sleeves and help Don Bland in any way possible.” Bland could not be reached for comment.