Mayor Tim Keller Announces Plan for Steady Leadership, Humane Treatment of Animals at City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today, Mayor Tim Keller announced his administration’s plan for steady leadership to ensure humane treatment of animals at the City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department (AWD). Mayor Keller has named an interim director, John Soladay, to protect animals through the day-to-day operations of AWD. Soladay is a professional director with 43 years of municipal government experience and a proven track record directing and managing departments. Soladay served as Sustainability Officer under Mayor Marty Chavez and Director of both Environmental Health and Solid Waste under Mayor Richard Berry.  He is also a lifelong dog lover.

Soladay will serve as Mayor Keller’s administration conducts a longer-term nationwide search for a permanent animal welfare director.

“As Mayor, I am committed to fostering the humane treatment of animals,” stated Mayor Keller. “I have directed my interim director John Soladay to maintain our city’s no-kill status, grow our spay and neuter programs and enhance our field services response to animal abuse. Soladay is an experienced public servant and will work to enhance the department while my administration conducts a nationwide search for an animal welfare director.”

During his tenure as State Senator and State Auditor, Keller earned an excellent record on animal welfare issues by supporting spay and neuter programs and helping to defeat breed-specific legislation. Any director – whether interim or permanent – will be acting on specific directives from the Mayor to protect the lives of animals in Albuquerque.

Mayor Keller recently added Pet Adoption to the front page of the City’s website, making it easier for people throughout Albuquerque to find their next best friend: https://www.cabq.gov/