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Residents and veterinarians raise concerns about Multnomah County Animal Services at public testimony
Summary
Multiple public commenters and a veterinarian told the county commission about widespread kennel cough, alleged pneumonia cases, voucher failures, and concerns about financial mismanagement at Multnomah County Animal Services, and requested operational and oversight changes.
Several residents and at least one veterinarian told the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 17, 2024, that they have experienced or documented health and management problems at Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS).
Public speakers said kennel cough at the shelter has progressed into suspected pneumonia in multiple animals, cited individual case examples with medical bills and adoption records, and asked why animal-health decisions are sometimes made by staff without veterinary qualifications. Dr. Robin Jones recommended infrastructure and procedural changes for the shelter, including improved ventilation, separate isolation and quarantine areas, personal protective equipment for staff and consideration of high-volume spay/neuter partners such as AnimalBalance.
Adopters reported vouchers for spay/neuter services that were not honored by clinics listed by the shelter, and one adopter said she encountered months of difficulty securing follow-up care and paid significant veterinary bills. Another public speaker recounted historical and more recent alleged financial mismanagement at MCAS, citing a 2017 audit that led to a criminal conviction of a former field services manager and alleging restricted-fund irregularities involving the current director. That speaker requested accounting for restricted funds and criticized perceived lack of follow-up.
Speakers asked for clearer oversight, better medical triage and daily checks, veterinary oversight of medical decisions, and more transparency on shelter finances. County staff and elected officials acknowledged the testimony; the board did not take immediate formal action during the meeting but public testimony was recorded and staff will have an opportunity to respond through regular channels.
The board did not present a staff report or vote on MCAS operations at this session; commenters asked that the county provide follow-up responses and corrective steps.
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