WREG looks into MAS director’s background, current investigation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The director of Memphis Animal Services who was placed on leave just five months into his new job had been let go from a previous shelter job in Texas, news coverage shows.

Ty Coleman was placed on leave last week from the Memphis shelter pending an investigation after a dog died of heat-related illness in shelter custody.

City officials haven’t released any information on the status of that investigation, its focus or who is conducting it.

Coleman was approved interim director in September, and appointed to the director’s job in January in a unanimous vote by city council, with several officials offering praise. Coleman touted his previous roles, including “animal services manager for the city of Midland,” Texas.

But our Nexstar station in Midland reported there was a distemper outbreak under his reign, and that he did not successfully complete his one-year probation.

In that station’s coverage, Coleman admitted during public remarks at a Midland City Council meeting that he was let go.

He also expressed concerns that a dog died after being left in the heat at the Midland shelter.

“Ever since I was let go, everybody has been upset with the city and everything that has happened and unfortunately, lets me know and asks me for advice on how to get through their day and unfortunately, it resulted in another dog dying,” Coleman said at the time.

Back here in Memphis, shelter officials confirmed last week that a dog named Lulu had died at the shelter June 24, and the preliminary cause of death was believed to be heat. The high that day was 97 with a heat index above 100.

Several rescue groups expressed outrage, demanding accountability.

The MAS advisory committee chairwoman says Lulu’s body temperature was over 109 degrees when she was found. She also listed other problems that have popped up at MAS under Coleman’s leadership, like two longtime veterinarians and several supervisors resigning in recent months.

WREG Investigators asked the city about those resignations. We also submitted several open records requests to find out what’s really going on, and to find out more about Coleman’s background.

When asked who was in charge of the shelter, the City of Memphis responded, “Our COO and DCOO are currently in charge at MAS. Key staff members in each operational area have been identified to ensure the shelter’s operational continuity.”

We also asked city officials if they were aware of what happened in Midland but have yet to hear back.

We’ve reached out to Coleman about him being suddenly placed on leave.

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