Head of Austin Animal Center retiring after being put on leave
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin’s Chief Animal Services Officer, and the effective director of the Austin Animal Center, will not return to the role after being put on administrative leave, according to a memo from City Manager TC Broadnax obtained by KXAN.
Don Bland was put on administrative leave on March 7. The city of Austin did not give a reason for that leave, telling KXAN then:
The City of Austin can confirm that Don Bland has been on administrative leave since Friday, March 7. Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer Jason Garza is currently serving as Acting Chief Animal Services Officer.
A memo from Broadnax said Bland will retire effective May 9. Garza will stay in his acting role indefinitely.
“Please join me in extending our appreciation to Don for his service and contributions as well as congratulating him as he embarks on a new chapter,” the memo said.
Bland has previously been criticized by Austin City Council members, animal advocates and Austin’s Animal Advisory Commission for issues at the Austin Animal Center, including overcrowding.
Austin moving forward with 5-year vision plan
Thursday, Austin City Council voted on a plan that would guide the city’s Animal Services Office over the next five years.
The strategic plan will address issues previously brought forward in reviews of the city-run shelter.
“In alignment with our commitment to animal welfare and serving the residents of the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, the plan outlines six key focus areas: Humane Care, Spay & Neuter, Open Intake, Live Release, Public Health & Safety, and Staff & Volunteers,” Bland wrote in the plan.
Under a section of the strategic plan called “message from the chief animal services officer,” Bland thanked the city for its “continued support as we take this significant step forward.”
“Hopefully we will make the kind of progress we’ve needed to make, this is one of those issues that I have felt like we have been behind on,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said.
Watson said he’s had conversations with relevant parties about whether expanding the footprint of the Austin Animal Center belongs in the 2026 comprehensive bond package the city is working to send to voters in November of next year.
“Either improving the facility we’re at, growing the facility we’re at or having other facilities — or both,” Watson said.
