Independent review of Glenfeild Road Animal Shelter underway

Independent review of Glenfield Road Animal Shelter under way - 11 May 2016

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Highly qualified veterinary specialist Jacob Michelsen is currently conducting an external review of the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter (GRAS).

The external review was one of the key actions announced by General Manager Alan Eldridge in his open letter to the community on 7 April.

“Council acknowledges the concerns regarding past incidents at the shelter and this independent review will ensure animal welfare is in line with best practice going forward,” General Manager Alan Eldridge said.

“Dr Michelsen is highly regarded in his field and has spent time in Wagga as a lecturer at Charles Sturt University.

“He has substantial management experience and will cast a critical eye over the performance of the animal shelter.”

Canberra-based Dr Michelsen recently visited the shelter as part of his review and is now in the process of assessing Council’s procedures and policies.

“I have been to Wagga and visited the animal shelter and can say that the physical infrastructure there is excellent,” Dr Michelsen said.

“I am currently reviewing the policies and procedures of the shelter with a view to making recommendations that ensure the running of the facility matches its physical excellence.”

The external review will be completed by mid-June.

About Dr Jacob Michelsen

Dr Jacob Michelsen graduated from Sydney University in 1990 and worked in mixed practice for two years before buying his own practice in South West Sydney with his wife and fellow veterinarian.

This practice grew to become a group of practices, with a large number of professional and support staff. In order to manage the group Dr Michelsen undertook a Graduate Certificate in Management in 2000. After 15 years, the practices were sold when Dr Michelsen and his family moved to Denmark for two years.

A surgical residency at Charles Sturt University enticed him back to Australia in 2008 where he established the Small Animal Referral Hospital at Charles Sturt University.

Dr Michelsen moved to Canberra in 2014 to take up a surgical specialty and practice management position at the Animal Referral Hospital Canberra.