New Animal care manager selected

A new Animal Care Manager is starting at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough this week. Richard Stockdale, of Kalispell, Montana, was chosen as the new chief from a field of 19 applicants from Alaska and the lower 48.

Stockdale has been involved in the Animal Care field since 1985, including 15 years as the animal care director for Flathead County, Montana.  Before working as the director in Montana, Stockdale was in California as an animal care worker.

The past manager, Bob Haskell left his position after being at head of the animal care department for about 2 years.  He left without much notice and no apparent reason.

The manager before him, Dave Allison only lasted a year or so and left abruptly as well.

Stockdale will be in charge of a newly renovated facility. The new addition is 14 thousand square feet and includes a training classroom, adoption rooms, grooming area and updated laundry room.  The updated cattery makes cats more visible to the public through viewing windows.

The average shelter stays for cats and dogs has increased due to the expansion and adoption rates have increased from 78% to 83%.

The shelter is next door to the new recycling center and the Borough central landfill.