Action News 5 - Memphis, TennesseeMatthew Pepper resigns from Memphis Animal Services

Matthew Pepper resigns from Memphis Animal Services

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Matthew Pepper Matthew Pepper
MEMPHIS, TN -

(WMC-TV) - Matthew Pepper has resigned as Administrator of Memphis Animal Services. Pepper sent his letter of resignation to Director Janet Hooks on August 9.

Pepper was named to the position in February of 2010.  In the year since he took the job, the shelter has been plagued with problems, including employees charged with animal cruelty.

"This is something I feel strongly about," Pepper said Friday. "That I've dedicated my life to. As passionate as I am about this field and working with animals I'm more passionate about my family and really they deserve a more stable environment."

Pepper said there is too much uncertainty surrounding the shelter's future, and whether it will remain public or go private.

"People need to be objective about what the complaints are," he said.

Pepper has no regrets, despite 18 often tumultuous months at the helm.

"You make every decision based on the best information you have at the time, so I don't regret anything," he said. "I've made every decision here based on what I've thought would benefit this community, the animals in this community, and benefit the citizens."

Pepper said he is proud of his tenure, citing a decrease in euthanasia stats, a 30 percent rise in placement, and changes in personnel, practices, and results.

But as he leaves, he feels the shelter needs more support and more positive energy.

"What my dream is for this community is for people to look at this situation and think that what can they do to be a part of the solution," he said.

Pepper is set to leave the first week of September.  Friday, officials close to the situation said it was too soon to discuss his successor.

To read Pepper's resignation letter, click here.

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