Hogsett Withdraws Animal Shelter Nominee

Source: WISH-TV / WISH-TV

INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Joe Hogsett is back to searching for a new leader for Indianapolis Animal Care Services after pulling Kelly Diamond’s nomination.

The City-County Council voted 21-4 Monday to shelve Diamond’s appointment indefinitely, clearing the way for a new nominee. Council Vice President Ali Brown said the mayor informed them earlier in the day that he was withdrawing the nomination.

The decision follows weeks of pushback from volunteers and advocates who raised concerns about mismanagement, reduced volunteer hours, and stray animals being turned away. A packed room of animal advocates attended the meeting, some shouting in frustration as the council moved to table the proposal instead of voting it down.

“We listened—that’s why we had a special hearing,” Brown said. “This is the response they wanted.”

Former volunteer coordinator Lauren Wyatt said staff and volunteers felt ignored, while shelter volunteer Lindsey Roy called the decision a win.

Hogsett hasn’t said when he’ll name a new appointee or when Diamond will step down.

Hogsett Withdraws Animal Shelter Nominee After Pushback was originally published on wibc.com