Jefferson City soon will be searching for a new veterinarian and director for the Jefferson City Animal Shelter.
At the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee meeting Tuesday, Dr. Corey McCann announced Jan. 8 would be his last day at the shelter as he is moving out of state.
McCann began at the shelter in June 2013 after the former veterinarian resigned due to concerns regarding the shelter's then use of a gas chamber to kill wildlife and feral cats, and because of disagreements with the animal control supervisor, Karen Jennings.
After McCann joined the staff, he became the animal control director with overall authority at the shelter.
Jefferson City Police Chief Roger Schroeder said the city would begin advertising for McCann's position in January, but the position could be left vacant through May, depending on the pool of applicants. Schroeder said McCann has forwarded the name of someone interested in the position who would not be able to start until after May and, if that is the most qualified candidate, Schroeder said the shelter may need to rely on the three veterinarians who make up the advisory committee.
"We really need some help for at least the next couple of months," Schroeder said.
Jennings said, in the past, the shelter has either hired a temporary veterinarian or relied on the committee members to help. All three veterinarians - Dr. Gregory Popp, Dr. Jim Crago and Dr. Greg Boyer - indicated they would be willing to help after McCann leaves.
In other business, Jennings noted the Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter was one of the top three organizations receiving donations during the 2015 Missouri State Employee Charitable Campaign, receiving $22,000 from the latest campaign.
"Thank you to all the state employees," Jennings said. "That's quite an accomplishment to be in the top three."