Volunteers allowed back in at Bastrop animal shelter

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - Things may be looking up for the troubled Bastrop County Animal Center.

On Friday, county commissioners accepted the resignation of director Diane Mollaghan, who received her second DWI arrest after a crash a week ago.

They also invited back some 40 volunteers who were banished a month ago for criticizing conditions at the shelter.

In the process, commissioners shortened the application form for volunteers which some believed had become to heavy-handed and invasive.

"It asked for financial information and other things that were maybe inappropriate," county judge Paul Pape said. "We removed those out of the application, now we're interested in who loves animals and who has time available."

Volunteers erupted in applause at the changes.

"I think everybody is happy, it's obvious they're committed to volunteers now and they want the volunteers back because they have great animals at the shelter," Ann Ford said.

Another volunteer, Lorraine Joy, intends to go back. "I care about the animals and want to keep them happy and healthy," she said.

"It's going to be a good thing for the shelter, this shelter is moving forward," county commissioner Bubba Snowden added.

The shelter has 90 kennels and serves an area of nearly 900 square miles. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, and is usually at capacity.