The City of Moore has hired a Tulsa law firm to investigate its Animal Welfare & Adoption Center while simultaneously searching for a new superintendent to run the facility, a move one local advocacy group says is premature.

The Childs Law Firm, PLLC will conduct the independent review that the Moore City Council voted unanimously to authorize at an Aug. 5 special meeting, city officials confirmed to FOX 25. The probe will examine potential liability issues, possible violations of state and municipal law, allegations of a hostile work environment and any additional concerns the investigator uncovers.

The investigation followed questions surrounding the department and the resignation of former superintendent Stephanie Adams-Hawkins. The city posted notice of the special meeting on July 31 referencing Adams-Hawkins's resignation, but has not publicly detailed the circumstances of her departure.

Mayor Mark Hamm opened the Aug. 5 special meeting by acknowledging what he called "some ongoing issues at the animal shelter," according to The Oklahoman.

"I love Moore, Oklahoma, and I am committed to ensuring we have the confidence of those that have elected us to represent them and run the city government. ... Because we want the truth," Hamm said before the vote.

Moore resident Heather Boss spoke during public comment at that meeting, pressing the council for accountability. A selection committee of Hamm and Ward 3 councilmen Sid Porter and Louie Williams was formed to choose the firm. That selection is on the agenda for the council's Aug. 17 meeting.

Superintendent search draws pushback

One day before the firm's hiring became public, the city posted a vacancy announcement Aug. 14 for a permanent animal welfare superintendent. Applications will first be reviewed Aug. 31. The posting requires eight years of experience in animal welfare, including two years in an administrative or supervisory role.

Advocacy group Make Our Shelter Moore is calling on the city to pause the superintendent search until the investigation wraps up. The group also questioned whether the experience requirements could limit the applicant pool, according to FOX 25's reporting.

The contract between Moore and The Childs Law Firm, including the investigation's cost, scope and timeline, had not been publicly released as of Aug. 15. The firm advertises more than 28 years of experience serving Oklahoma municipalities.

Residents can attend the Aug. 17 council meeting at Moore City Hall or contact the city clerk's office to submit public comments.