Resident tells board animal-shelter respiratory outbreak killed multiple dogs; calls for full-time medical leadership and clearer transfer protocols

A witness at the Multnomah County Board meeting said a respiratory outbreak at Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) led to dozens of sick animals and multiple deaths and urged county leadership to change how shelter medical care is organized.

"I believe that this current organization of the animal health department does not work," Anna (Azizani) told commissioners, recounting that after a series of dog illnesses the shelter at one point recorded 22 animals sick and later the number rose to 47. She said three deaths were confirmed and two more deaths required further investigation. The speaker called for a full-time licensed veterinarian to serve as a medical director reporting directly to departmental leadership, more on-site veterinary hours and clearer triage-and-transfer protocols for emergent cases.

Anna also noted the county27s Dolly27s Fund balance (a restricted donation account to meet animals27 medical needs) at $690,716 as of Dec. 31 and said it should be available to pay for necessary emergency transfers. The speaker recommended clearer criteria for transferring animals to emergency hospitals and questioned whether medical oversight was sufficiently available seven days a week.

Commissioners thanked the commenter for raising the issue in public comment and the board will receive the public testimony as part of regular oversight. The county did not take immediate board-level action in the meeting; follow-up with the Department of Community Services and shelter leadership was discussed as part of staff briefings.