The City of Oklahoma City sends this information as posted below:
City Manager Craig Freeman announced today that Ronnie Schlabs has been selected as the Animal Welfare superintendent. He will start on March 24.
Schlabs has 17 years of experience in animal welfare. Most recently, he served as the senior director of field services for the Nebraska Humane Society, where he was part of a team that helped maintain a nearly 90% live release rate for dogs in the shelter. In this role, he investigated animal cruelty cases and oversaw a team of 20 animal welfare officers who respond to approximately 25,000 service calls annually.
He has experience as the animal control program manager for the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the animal services manager for the City of Hutchinson, Kansas.
“Ronnie comes to us with a proven track record working in shelters in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas and has a passion for improving animals’ lives,” Freeman said. “He is experienced, compassionate and committed to protecting the health and safety of people and animals in our community.”
The City conducted a nationwide search for the position.
“I’m really excited to start this new adventure and help the animals of Oklahoma City get the best care they can and find loving forever homes,” Schlabs said.
Schlabs earned his master’s degree in justice administration and crime management and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Bellevue University in Nebraska. He completed Crisis Intervention Team Training and is nationally certified as an animal control officer through the National Animal Care and Control Association.
Schlabs replaces Jon Gary, who retired after 25 years with Oklahoma City and is now the Director of Animal Care Services for the City of San Antonio.
Animal Welfare is a division of the Development Services Department.
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