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Residents press Moore council for transparency and staffing changes at new animal shelter; local veterinarian defends staff
Summary
During the citizens forum Feb. 2 residents raised multiple complaints about the new Moore animal shelter — alleging protocol lapses, volunteers removed, animals kept long-term and limits on photos — and asked for a committee‑based hiring process for the new superintendent. A local veterinarian said he has worked with shelter staff for years and defended their decisions.
Several Moore residents used the Feb. 2 citizens forum to urge transparency and reforms at the city’s new animal shelter, while a local veterinarian defended shelter staff.
Shelley Woff (address provided) said she volunteered at the shelter for 10 years but is no longer allowed to volunteer after raising concerns with the mayor and a councilwoman. Woff alleged staff are not following protocols, are turning away animals without explanation, and that volunteers have left because of what she called "lazy and uncaring staff." She raised specific concerns that one dog had been living at the shelter for about three years and that certain exhibits and practices (including what she called an "exotic room") were not appropriate for a dog‑and‑cat shelter.
Lori Reynolds, a lifetime Moore resident, said a city Facebook post drew 70 comments within hours, about 95% negative, and called for "a foundation of transparency and professional animal care." Reynolds asked that the city use a committee, rather than a single person, to select the new shelter superintendent and said the current job description does not emphasize animal care sufficiently.
Dr. Scott Floyd, a veterinarian at Silver Leaf Animal Hospital who said he has worked with the shelter since 2015, defended shelter staff and said he has collaborated with staff members Nicole, John and Sam on treatment decisions. Floyd said he has not seen actions he would characterize as careless and urged the council to weigh the medical and operational complexity staff face when deciding about injured or unknown animals.
Mayor Mark Ham and the council listened to public comments; no council action was taken at the meeting, and residents were invited to speak with council members after adjournment.
