Authorities with the Lockhart Police Department have confirmed that Cheryl Schneider, current Lockhart Animal Shelter director and EMS director, “is leaving here to go there” — there being the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, where Schneider will assume the role of director. Schneider is originally from Williamson County, as she grew up in Walburg. On Monday, Williamson County officials refused to release her name and details of her background but did announce that Ethel Spence, previously animal control supervisor for the city of Giddings, will start Friday as kennel manager. Former WilCo shelter director Melanie Sobel and shelter manager Kim Harrington resigned less than two months after the shelter opened in March. The county announced Sobel resigned to “pursue other career opportunities,” but Sobel claimed the county ignored her pleas for more staff and an actual budget for vaccines, food, and other essentials. After Sobel’s departure, the shelter came under investigation for animal neglect and cruelty.

This article appears in August 17 • 2007.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US