move to ACT welcomes Daniel T. Shackle as the new administrator of Indianapolis Animal Care and Control.

Although Mr. Shackle has no experience in the animal care and control arena, he should none-the-less be given a chance. Everyone starts somewhere.

As a newcomer not acquainted with what awaits him, his eyes will be opened with that constant pile of carcasses that he’ll have the opportunity to witness every day. Mayor Ballard expresses confidence that “he would continue to notch gains in the live release rate and other progress ….”

Progress at IACC is low hanging fruit. As a code enforcement lawyer, Mr. Shackle should be able to not miss the many deficiencies of the building, starting with an antiquated HVAC system that circulates virulence throughout the building infecting about every healthy animal that is there longer than a few hours. Adopters and rescue organizations spend hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in veterinary costs to treat these ailments once they’ve acquired an animal from IACC.

Unlike at-large City County Councillor John Barth and IndyHumane CEO John Aleshire who reserve judgement until they meet with Mr. Shackle and “learn more about his plans,” mtA does not feel the need to hear Mr. Shackle’s plans. Talk is cheap. It is actions that speak louder than words.

If Mayor Ballard is correct that “Dan is a get-things-done kind of leader and passionate about animals… and demonstrates his ability to problem solve…” then let’s give him a chance and help this guy out instead of cutting him off at the knees before he gets his feet under him.