MEMPHIS, Tenn. — During Tuesday’s city council meeting, council members emphasized the need for better leadership within Memphis Animal Services.

“Our Memphis Animal Services is in a hot mess right now,” City Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton said. “We are going to have to get our own house cleaned before we start adding stuff to our house.”

City council members dissected and eventually passed a resolution with Shelby County to house animals and collect rabies vaccination fees.

This comes after MAS Director Ty Coleman was placed on leave pending an investigation after a dog died of a heat-related illness in the shelter’s custody.

“(The) Mayor has met with current staff, past staff and he’s going to meet with advocates,” Antonio Adams said. “We are going to deliver the leadership to MAS that it deserves and needs.”

City officials haven’t released any information on the status of Coleman’s investigation, its focus or who is conducting it.

Chief Adams said the city needs more time to update council members.

“Addressing the elephant in the room, as we go through some turbulent times at MAS, we are continuing to stabilize services there,” Adams said.

That “turbulence” is where many council members say the focus should lie.

“From all indications, we’re not able to support municipalities until we get it straight first here,” City Councilwoman Rhonda Logan said.

The city council will meet again in two weeks for an update on MAS leadership and plans.