Wake animal shelter names interim director
The director at the Wake County Animal Center, which came under fire in November after WRAL's "Pet of the Day" was euthanized within hours of appearing on the newscast, has resigned, Deputy County Manager Joe Durham said Wednesday.
Posted — UpdatedMatt Roylance, who currently serves as deputy director of environmental services for the county, will take over the reins at the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center on Saturday.
McMichael, whose first day on the job was Nov. 7, resigned last month to move his family back to Pennsylvania.
His three-month tenure was mired with controversy, after the shelter killed an 8-month-old dog named Sassy the same day the animal appeared on the WRAL News at Noon as the featured "Pet of the Day."
McMichael said that public outcry over the center's euthanasia policies did not contribute to his decision to step down.
County officials said Wednesday that, under Roylance's leadership, the shelter would review its euthanasia policy and protocol, move forward with a Trap, Neuter, Release ordinance and develop partnerships with local foster and rescue groups.
He will also play a role in the recruitment and hiring of a new animal shelter director. Roylance has worked for the county for six years.
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