New director takes over shelter

Rebecca Malone

Friday, June 8, 2001 | 11:31 a.m.

The Lied Animal Shelter has a new boss, veterinarian Michael Chumrau, who also joins the board of directors of the Animal Foundation, which has the contract to run the city of Las Vegas' shelter.

He joins veterinarian Scott Ruth, who runs the foundation's spay and neuter and vaccination clinics.

Foundation President Mary Herro remains with the nonprofit group, continuing duties on an animal licensing program she began in February, when the new shelter opened at 700 N. Mojave Road.

Chumrau, a former member of the state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, is responsible for the care of the animals from the time they get to the shelter until they are adopted, he said.

Chumrau came to Las Vegas in May 2000, after 21 years in private veterinary practice in Reno.

During his tenure on the state board, from 1982 to 1993, he wrote the state's manual for veterinarians and technicians.

He continues to do investigations for the board on a contract basis -- work, he said, that the attorney general's office has told him does not pose a conflict of interest with his new job.

He also worked for two years with the Reno zoo, treating tigers, bison and hyenas.

Chumrau, who was a banker for 10 years before becoming a vet, said the shelter work is giving him an opportunity to give something back to the community after years of private practice.

"It's a needed thing," he said. "None of these animals deserve what they get. It's a way to help."