A betrayal of public trust, Lukai the 4 year old Shepherd
Lukai, MCAS ID# 316130
August 22, 2024, Update: Despite a veterinarian evaluating and prescribing an anticonvulsant for Lukai on July 27, 2024, Lukai’s adoption promotion by MCAS still notes, 26 days later, that his history of seizures do not require treatment.
MCAS has considerable funds for the special medical needs of animals: the 2025 recently awarded $15,684,275 budget is the highest figure ever, and Dolly’s Fund, monies donated by a trusting public month after month now over 1 million dollars is intended to be spent on the special medical needs of shelter animals. Instead the majority goes to Dove Lewis Emergency care, while some has been diverted to spay neuter vouchers. Little goes to animals with medical needs often related to poverty, which is the majority of the MCAS demographic.
Before 2016 with a far smaller budget, dental cleanings were part of standard care. In the place of needed care MCAS has waivers that disclaim any responsibility for care they are funded to provide, turning the public shelter into a cheap discount store for homeless animals. MCAS once provided critically needed dental care. Now the agency will adopt a dog in need of care, sales priced for $25 with a dental waiver with a recommendation that the adopter arrange a dental cleaning under dental anesthesia with a veterinary specialist.
MCAS also engages in dishonest promotions, downplaying an animals’ medical needs. Lukai’s owner had surrendered him after a seizure, afraid of his post seizure disorientation and temporary confusion during which he failed to recognize and lunged at a family member. His promotion adoption advertisement makes light of his undiagnosed condition; seizures are a symptom multiple possible diagnosis:
“Lukai, a 4 year old German Shepherd looking for a fresh start after his previous owner could no longer care for him.”
MCAS accepted the owner surrender but provided no counseling about seizure disorders or affordable consultation referrals. When facts replace fear, owners can be aware of reasonable alternatives to surrendering their animal to the shelter. This had been his family for the entire 4 years of his life.
The same promotion, also noted “Lukai has a history of seizures, which currently do not require treatment.” Surrendered on May 08, 2024, Lukai’s documented medical care, diagnosis, and treatment planning were conducted by veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians, not a certified veterinarian.
Lukai’s seizures were not evaluated by a board certified veterinarian until almost three months after he was surrendered on May 08, 2024 for a seizure of unknown cause. While in MCAS care he had seizures on June 18 2024 and July 21 2024. On July 27, he was evaluated and prescribed an anti-convulsant medication.
How can the county honestly claim he received appropriate care and that no further assessment was needed at the outset when his care was under the guidance of veterinary assistants and certified veterinary technicians?
The treatment and care of dogs with seizure events, such as in Whole Dog journal’s Canine Seizures article, indicate the need to work with a specialist (e.g. a certified veterinarian). Diagnostics ordered by a certified veterinarian can identify and treat causes that lead to seizures. Veterinary technicians cannot fulfill the role of a certified veterinarian by performing diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. Doing so is in violation of the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Examining Board’s regulations detailed in OAR 875-030-0040, as authorized by ORS 686.210 and ORS 686.350 – 686.370.
MCAS has funding through Dolly’s Fund for Lukai that would pay for any costs associated with an evaluation so clearly within its scope. Their 3 month delay, during which 2 more seizures occurred, strongly suggests that the lives of shelter animals aren’t worth the effort. The statement in the record is troubling: “Electing to seek transfer to rescues beyond OHS [declined] due to medical exceeding our resources.” The misappropriation of Dolly’s Fund is a known fact, acknowledged by the Multnomah County Auditor’s office. The funds are there. The will and compassion are not.
Lukai was advertised for adoption on May 25, while waiting in foster care for someone to adopt him “as is” for $25 because MCAS refused to pursue an affordable neurological consultation critical to his well being and an adopter’s ability to properly care for him. It is very clear in Lukai’s and other similar cases that MCAS’ only concerns are passing off costs to a rescue or an adopter. If that fails, most commonly an animal is killed. There is no compassion at MCAS.
Before 2016, MCAS cared for the special medical needs of shelter animals despite, then, having a far lower budget, fewer managers, and a lower intake. Why won’t they now?
When the unsuspecting public donates to a fund without a mission and the animals lose, it is a scam on the public. Veterinarians and professionals should be in charge of animal care at MCAS, not bureaucrats who behave like shop keepers trying to hustle off their wares.
Gail O’Connell-Babcock
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Reference for Lukai’s Adoption Promotion
“Meet Lukai, a 4 year old German Shepherd looking for a fresh start after his previous owner could no longer care for him. Lukai is a friendly and loving companion who has a history of living with kids, making him a great family dog. He’s also potentially good with other dogs, given proper introductions. Lukai has a history of seizures, which currently do not require treatment. This is something his new adopters should be aware of and discuss with their vet. Despite this, he remains a joyful and affectionate dog, always eager to make new friends and share his love. He is currently in foster and his foster parents say that he He loves all dogs, and loves all people. When on walks he responds well to treat training, Lukai is extremely smart and would love ongoing training to stimulate his brain. He is obsessed with fetch. If you’re ready to give Lukai the stable and caring home he deserves, come meet him and see if he’s the perfect fit for your family!”