BAKERSFIELD, CA - The county will have a new animal services director next month. The board of supervisors appointed Nick Cullen during their meeting on Tuesday. Cullen is replacing Shyanne Schull who's leaving her position to begin a similar one in Reno, Nevada. Cullen is expected to start as interim director on January 10.
According to a news release, Cullen began his County career as an Animal Control Officer in 2005, and he has overseen daily operations of the Kern County animal shelter since his appointment as Shelter Supervisor in October 2011.
As an Animal Control Officer, Cullen investigated an equine starvation case in 2011 that resulted in two felony convictions. During his six years as an officer, Cullen was responsible for securing eight felony convictions on animal cruelty charges.
As Shelter Supervisor, Cullen organized County and volunteer resources to feed more than 200 animals rescued in an animal cruelty case, and 90% of the animals were ultimately placed in rescue or adoption. He was closely involved in planning and carrying out the relocation of several hundred animals from the former shelter on Mt. Vernon Avenue to the County's new Fruitvale Avenue facility in 2013.
Cullen's close ties with animal welfare organizations were critical in helping the Department to intensify its efforts to secure the adoption and rescue of as many animals as possible before the move.
Following the move, Cullen supervised the start-up of the new facility, which required extensive retraining of staff, developing and implementing new protocols for animals coming into the shelter, preventing disease, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations at the new location. Cullen developed a trap, neuter and release program for feral cats that increased live outcomes for this population by 60%.
"Nick Cullen has been instrumental in leading and sustaining a complete transformation in Animal Services operations," Board of Supervisors Chairman Leticia Perez said. "His practical experience and wise judgment will be crucial in continuing to advance the goals of Animal Services to provide humane treatment of animals and to reduce the number of stray and uncared for animals in our community."
Cullen's animal cruelty investigations garnered a Humane Society grant for the department, and his work in transferring Animal Services to its new location earned an Outstanding Leadership award from the County of Kern.
According to a news release, Cullen began his County career as an Animal Control Officer in 2005, and he has overseen daily operations of the Kern County animal shelter since his appointment as Shelter Supervisor in October 2011.
As an Animal Control Officer, Cullen investigated an equine starvation case in 2011 that resulted in two felony convictions. During his six years as an officer, Cullen was responsible for securing eight felony convictions on animal cruelty charges.
As Shelter Supervisor, Cullen organized County and volunteer resources to feed more than 200 animals rescued in an animal cruelty case, and 90% of the animals were ultimately placed in rescue or adoption. He was closely involved in planning and carrying out the relocation of several hundred animals from the former shelter on Mt. Vernon Avenue to the County's new Fruitvale Avenue facility in 2013.
Cullen's close ties with animal welfare organizations were critical in helping the Department to intensify its efforts to secure the adoption and rescue of as many animals as possible before the move.
Following the move, Cullen supervised the start-up of the new facility, which required extensive retraining of staff, developing and implementing new protocols for animals coming into the shelter, preventing disease, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations at the new location. Cullen developed a trap, neuter and release program for feral cats that increased live outcomes for this population by 60%.
"Nick Cullen has been instrumental in leading and sustaining a complete transformation in Animal Services operations," Board of Supervisors Chairman Leticia Perez said. "His practical experience and wise judgment will be crucial in continuing to advance the goals of Animal Services to provide humane treatment of animals and to reduce the number of stray and uncared for animals in our community."
Cullen's animal cruelty investigations garnered a Humane Society grant for the department, and his work in transferring Animal Services to its new location earned an Outstanding Leadership award from the County of Kern.