City of Oklahoma City announces new Animal Welfare superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The City Manager for the City of Oklahoma City, Craig Freeman, announced on Wednesday the hiring of a new superintendent for the OKC Animal Welfare.

Ronnie Schlabs will replace Jon Gary, who announced his retirement from the position after serving 25 years with Oklahoma City. Gary is now the Director of Animal Care Services for the City of San Antonio.

Schlabs takes over the superintendent position with 17 years of experience in animal walfare.

He recently served as senior director of field services for the Nebraska Humane Society and was part of a team who helped sustaining a 90% live release rate for dogs at the shelter. He also investigated animal cruelty cases and supervisted a team that consisted of 20 animal welfare officers that responded to around 25,000 calls yearly.

During his career, Shlabs has experience as animal control program manager for the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was also the animal services manager for the City of Hutchinson, Kansas.

“Ronnie comes to us with a proven track record working in shelters in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas and has a passion for improving animals’ lives,” Freeman said. “He is experienced, compassionate and committed to protecting the health and safety of people and animals in our community.”

Before the start of his career, Schlabs received his master's degree in justice administration and crime management. He also earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice adminstration while at Bellevue University in Nebraska.

“I’m really excited to start this new adventure and help the animals of Oklahoma City get the best care they can and find loving forever homes,” said Schlabs.

Schlabs is expected to start in his new position on March 24.