Yucca Valley announces retirement of controversial shelter manager Doug Smith
After months of public scrutiny, the Town of Yucca Valley has published an update on the employment of its shelter manager.
In a press release sent Friday afternoon, the Town of Yucca Valley announced the retirement of its controversy-ridden Animal Care and Control Manager, Doug Smith. The press release noted that the Town was evaluating best practices for both short and long-term shelter operations, with an emphasis on animal welfare and transparency. These include scheduling veterinary assessments and an independent review of shelter operations, both of which have received public support.
As Town Manager Curtis Yakimow was quoted, “The Town is exploring the best path forward in terms of interim leadership and day-to-day operations of the shelter.”
The Yucca Valley Animal Shelter has faced increasingly intense public scrutiny since February, when a group of citizens began regularly attending Town Council meetings to voice their concerns about its policies. Many of those concerns centered around Smith, which were exacerbated following two former employees’ assertions that he regularly utilized improper euthanasia practices. The Town initiated a 90-Day Operational Review in March, and began implementing changes that include an improved online presence, scheduled spay/neuter and adoption events, the hiring of new staff, and the development of a volunteer program and standing committee, both of which are to begin in August. However, Smith’s role as manager continued to be cited by the public as a primary issue, especially following the transfer of Howdy, a Maltese who was neglected while at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter throughout the duration of the very review intended to improve its processes.
The July 15 Town Council meeting was particularly contentious as many residents criticized Town leadership for refusing to address the issue of shelter management. In their comments, both the Councilmembers and Yakimow agreed that further operational changes were needed.
