HOUSTON -- After months of criticism over the treatment of animals, the chief veterinarian of Houston's Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care has been fired, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

Eunice Ohashietbula-Iwnze was fired on Wednesday, effective immediately, according to Kathy Barton, spokeswoman for the city of Houston's Department of Health and Human Services. Performance issues were cited as the reason.

Taborah Goffney, a kennel attendant, resigned after finding out she was about to be fired.

Coincidentally, Dorian Strickland, a manager, also resigned.

Murray Bailey, an employee who was accused of hitting a puppy in the head, was also fired on Wednesday.

Barton said the terminations and resignations were approved by the new independent consultant, Gary Fusco, who was hired to clean up BARC.

Barton said the terminations were already under consideration before he began at BARC last week.

"That is his charge -- to change the culture at BARC and to make sure we have the right people doing the right jobs, and that everybody understands their jobs, and they are held accountable for their responsibilities," Barton said.

BARC posted positions for a chief veterinarian, staff veterinarian and 15 animal care technicians.

In the past, no high school education was required for technicians. That has since changed.

Earlier this year, the city resisted demands from animal rights advocates to fire the chief vet. The activists said the vet known as "Dr. O" was not qualified.

KPRC Local 2 reported last month how dozens of dogs adopted out to families died a short time later due to the distemper virus.

BARC's managers could not determine how many of its dogs were vaccinated against the disease.