Tag Archives: Dolly’s Fund

The destruction of MCAS progressive sheltering: Dismantling all checks and balances

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A History

  • The 2000 MCAS Citizens MCAS Task Force chaired by Dove Lewis, directed the county to charter a process for progressive humane sheltering at MCAS. It emphasized and incorporated the community’s values and included participants from the community including veterinarians as major participants. It was about ending the needless killing of companion animals. Animals were not to be put to death unless they were irremediably suffering or had a behavior challenge that even after behavior interventions presented a serious public safety risk.

The implementation of humane sheltering charter included:

  • An MCAS shelter Review Committee

The committee included staff, volunteers, rescues, interested citizens, and, twice a month, a diplomate in behavioral veterinary medicine attended. The diplomate in behavioral veterinary medicine also was on contract to provide animal behavior advice on various agency cases.

The Shelter Review Committees meetings were conducted as open public sessions. Their goal was to seek options and solutions for animals in need. It was not to kill them.

  • October 2015: The dismantling of the citizens’ task force directive for humane sheltering

The dismantling of MCAS’ humane sheltering mission began with the hiring of Jackie Rose as MCAS Director in late October 2015. Behind closed doors and without scrutiny, Director Jackie Rose created policies contrary to humane sheltering. These policies are still in place today. Director Rose created an authoritarian agency, removing by fiat all public participation and an open democratic decision making process.

The Shelter Review meetings became a private affair: managers only. Decisions about euthanasia no longer permitted public, staff, volunteer or expert participation or input. In new policy statements, staff, citizens and volunteers were denied any say in euthanasia decisions and told they were not permitted to explore options. Meetings once held weekly, during which animal dispositions were discussed and reviewed, now could occur at any time any day of the week. No quorum was required. A pilot behavior and training program, initiated by staff and volunteers to train dogs with special needs to become adoptable, was shut down without explanation or notice.

  • April 2019: Jackie Rose left to assume the directorship of Ventura California Animal Control after a 2016 and 2018 poor performance audits. Jackie Rose was ousted ‘retired with honors’ from Ventura Animal Control late 2023 after community backlash over precisely the same leadership she showed in MCAS, beginning with the unjust euthanasia of a specific dog.
  • February 2020: MCAS Client Services Supervisor Wade Sadler took over as acting director, an assignment made permanent shortly after a hasty public advertisement for the director’s position. There was no credible search for a replacement. The directorship was handed down. The failed policies and practices created by Jackie Rose continued under Wade Sadler.
  • July 2022: Erin Grahek, a former case manager after failing to advance at the Department of Aging and Disabilities, was appointed acting MCAS director and assumed the directorship permanently in July 2022 during the height of an animal care crisis at MCAS. The external search for a director was cursory and short.

While acknowledging her lack of experience (never having served in any capacity in animal services or welfare), Erin Grahek assured the public she would lead by deferring her power and authority to the agency managers.

“Grahek didn’t come to Animal Services with any animal welfare experience. ‘ I will bring on strong professionals who have the animal welfare background that I don’t, and marry that with my experience as a manager and a leader in Multnomah County,’ Grahek said.”

Under their direction, given the creation of a power vacuum, managers replaced the goals of pet redemption and retention with pre-select adoptions marked by significant returns. They dismantled and removed the entire support system for pet retention and redemption: Emergency Board and Pets in Crisis, advising citizens it was not their job. ‘They were not a hotel.’ No official permission was sought for their unilateral change in the agency’s mission from pet retention and redemption to cheap animal sales.

At the same time animal care was undermined, animals with medical care, behavior or other concerns were assigned waivers disowning all responsibility. Fear waivers most often reflect agency conditions for which MCAS is responsible. Now it’s the animal’s “fault,” not the agency’s responsibility.

Dolly’s Fund, a public fund restricted to the special medical care needs of shelter is seldom accessed for animals anymore. If a rescue will not take them, they are killed or adopted with waivers. All compassion for vulnerable animals has vanished. The managers ended medical and hospice fosters. If they cannot be transferred they are killed.

MCAS euthanasia policies were unilaterally changed by the managers. When they failed to succeed at their assignment, they lowered the bar to allow themselves to count failure as success.

Multnomah county animal shelter  drops language stating animals won’t be euthanized for space.

Readers respond: don’t believe euthanasia assurances.

No input from others invested in an animal’s life is permitted. The process is not open. The term ‘Shelter Review’ has been renamed ‘Rounds Review’ for a process that has nothing in common with hospital rounds review among professionals. Euthanasia decisions continue to be decided by managers without any background in animal behavior, science or training. The statements made justifying euthanasia for any given animal in nearly every record defy the facts, professional decision making and risk assessment processes. Animals are killed as “unhealthy and untreatable” when they are not. It is a deliberate and a self serving deception intended to mislead the public and conceal their failures. Only the animals are victims and pay the price.

MCAS continues to fail. The leadership is authoritarian. Management is largely selected through a process of nepotism not qualifications.

That is the challenge County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, the Board of Multnomah County Commissioners and Department of Community Services Director Margi Bradway face: Either honor public service and the lives of shelter animals in their care or to capitulate to management welfare and failure.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

The MCAS Troutdale Ostrich: Everything is Fine

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Notable Accomplishments / Recognition

Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) has an intake of over 7,000 animals per year, and has maintained a high live-release rate for shelter animals even with the trend of increasing intakes. Monthly and annual reports for the division are available online, including all intakes and outcomes, and veterinary services provided for the animals.

“A Dynamic Workplace: No two days are the same! We’re always learning and improving…”

The agency’s alleged live release rate does not accurately reflect reality. The reported live release rate is inflated by numerous variables including significant adoption returns. As in, a unique animal being adopted, then returned, then adopted out again means that that animal contributes ‘2’ counts to their live release rate. This is setting aside that a live release rate does not reflect care or housing conditions at MCAS. What MCAS has steadily maintained is a high lie release rate – Where indeed no two days are ever the same.

The agency’s specialties are propaganda and distraction intended to shimmy out of accountability. The evidence is clear throughout records, public experience, and commentary. One must go through the propaganda front first.

These are just a few recent highlights from last week’s records

Deprivation of animal care: The willful abandonment of animals’ emotional and social well being

MCAS Director Grahek and Operations Manager Andrew Mathias systematically continue to fail to meet even the minimum requirements for shelter animal’s mental health and well being (Beyond Food and Water … “Open Paw’s Minimal Mental Health Requirements for Dogs”). They dismantled programs once in place that worked: Regular exercise and enrichment outings into the community; Weekly adoption outreach events; ongoing behavior and training programs to engage animals and improve their lives.

An absence of volunteers

Volunteers are critical to animal welfare. The numbers of volunteers are low compared to animal intake numbers.

On the February 3, 2026 Intake Inventory there were 41 dogs in the adoption kennels; 41 dogs in Intake (including 2 dogs on Security). That means 80 dogs, (less 2 on Security who are generally not walked), needing consistent exercise, enrichment, and walks outside the toxic kennel environment. 40 volunteers dedicated to walking dogs is a very low number.

Those numbers are critically low because MCAS is also a toxic environment for volunteers, not just animals. Often a positive feedback cycle occurs where lack of enrichment and exercise escalate animal stress. Often animals become frantic with the stress of constant confinement. MCAS will warn volunteers to not walk animals if they are uncomfortable when an animal becomes distressed but the managers do nothing to create a safe world for volunteers, staff or animals. The single intervention is copious medication. MCAS will only treat stress with escalating levels of psychotropics, a practice once commonplace at orphanages and any facility where vulnerable populations were housed without oversight. MCAS will solve these concerns with excuses exonerating themselves, not solutions. Creative fiction is their forte.

Volunteer numbers
December 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Dog Walking: 40 volunteers
Dog walking Hands On training: 1

January 1, 2026 to January 31, 2026
Dog Walking: 38 volunteers
Dog walking Hands On training: 4

MCAS spay neuter and in house breeding program

MCAS continues to fail to spay and neuter every companion animal that is adopted to the public, alleging as one irrelevant distraction (Look here, not there) that more unspayed and unneutered companion animals are being taken in as strays since past history so please excuse them. No, that is not the point. We are speaking about dogs adopted out, not total intake. It’s their job. The fact that the management can’t do their assigned work for overwhelmingly generous salaries and benefits means they are incompetent. Incompetence is inexcusable. The public should not be paying for a management on work disability welfare program.

MCAS in-house breeding program

Miss Wolfie, ID#381469

Dogs Playing for Life is a nationally recognized program intended to relieve shelter stress. At MCAS it has been redirected and diverted to being used as a stressful test of dog compatibility. Dogs are randomly assigned to play groups that often in fact create additional stress. That is especially true if a female dog in heat is included among several unaltered male and female dogs. It creates disruption and conflict. The practice continues. The only tools used to intervene in spontaneous conflicts are spray bottles and shaker cans, tools that are fairly useless when fights occur.

Miss Wolfie’s record, January 28, 2026, Playgroup,

“Behavior Notes:…We have noted potential conflict drive with other females, which may possibly be due to her being in heat.”

Why put dogs in heat in play groups unless you want to provoke a fight? Almost as an afterthought, Miss Wolfie was spayed after the in heat group play two days later on January 30,2026

Saving Dolly’s Fund restricted to the special medical needs of shelter animals; Depriving animals of critical medical care

Clifford, ID#380920

MCAS continues to deprive animals of critical medical care. The funds are readily available through Dolly’s Fund but they dodge that fact and their responsibility by issuing waivers, disowning any responsibility for that care. Adopters adopt the dog ‘as is.’ Waivers virtually insure that that care will rarely be received because few citizens who adopt an MCAS dog for low fees will pay for additional future medical expenses.

How cheap can the managers be? Very cheap. They advertise an animal with a handicap that assuredly will require medical attention in the near future as “charming.” In Clifford’s case the managers attached a waiver for cleft palate.

After rescues including the Oregon Humane Society, declined to take Clifford, and after he was an adoption return, the management asked the on site primary care veterinarian to perform the cleft palate repair surgery. It is very clear from the clinical veterinary literature that surgery for cleft palate requires advanced specialized surgical training. MCAS deliberately elected to fail both Clifford and the MCAS primary care veterinarian, instead setting both up to fail with their request that the in house veterinarian do the surgery that she was unqualified to perform and that could be easily paid for from Dolly’s Fund.

It wasn’t enough to ask OHS once. They were bound and determined to save Dolly’s Fund.

January 26, 2026

“OHS declined again as they do NOT take cleft palates, cleft lips, or oronasal fistulas.”

MCAS managers view shelter animals’ lives as not worth the effort, not worth saving or improving their lives. Their dishonesty and evasiveness in every area speak to a culture that has been totally corrupted.

When no medical transfers accepted Clifford, MCAS made Clifford available for adoption with a waiver with the veterinary statement that while currently Clifford seemed to be able to eat and drink adequately and “there is no sign of inflammation/infection involving the congenital defect at this time.” It was also noted that “Dog will likely be more prone to infection involving the nasal cavity and aspiration over the course of his life than typical dogs.”

That is a very conservative observation, an understatement at best. The likelihood that Clifford will develop serious medical concerns is in fact assured when one reads through the current available veterinary medical literature.

“…Dogs with a cleft palate often develop serious medical issues like aspiration pneumonia if the condition is not corrected, usually with surgery.”

But MCAS will not correct medical conditions with funds the public continues to donate for that purpose. Instead animals with treatable special medical conditions are killed or are placed on pain management while other rescues are sought as the MCAS managers sit on Dolly’s Fund as if it were a personal bequest for their use for unknown purposes.

The County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and the Board of County Commissioners have allowed government sponsored animal abuse with public funds and have by looking away endorsed it. 

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

Miss Wolfie’s records, owner info redacted

MCAS Records_381469 Miss Wolfie-RedactedDownload

Clifford’s records, owner info redacted

MCAS Records_380920 Clifford-RedactedDownload

Beyond Food and Water, Kelly Gorman, CPDT, Whole Dog Journal, July 2004

Behavior_Beyond Food and Water_Whole-dog-journalDownload

MCAS December 2025 Volunteer Hours report

December_2025_volunteer_reportDownload

MCAS January 2026 Volunteer Hours report

January_2026_Volunteer_HoursDownload

Multnomah County Board Resolution 2015-024; Dolly’s Fund founding resolution

Multnomah County Board Resolution (Budget; MCAS Restricted Funds) 2015-024Download

MCAS’ Official Dolly’s Fund donation information

Dolly’s Fund MCAS OfficialDownload

The inexcusably dishonest killing of Buddy, whose jailed owner had no one to redeem him

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Buddy, ID#297465

MCAS managers specialize in inventing multiple reasons for killing companion dogs placed in their care. Buddy was a dog with so many positive features and options, killed because they don’t want to make an effort. As a plan they list excuses: Exaggerations, vague generalizations and at times outright dishonest conclusions characterize their work much as a delinquent child might try to explain why they didn’t do their homework. The difference is children aren’t paid but MCAS managers are highly salaried. MCAS managers, without accountability or oversight, kill because that takes less time and effort than trying.

Buddy was the entire emotional support for his owner who was arrested October 15, 2025, and none of the reasons listed for killing Buddy were legitimate. Buddy’s owner just had no friends who could redeem Buddy on his behalf. Respite fosters were once central to MCAS’ now sabotaged pet retention mission. Even without that, Buddy could have easily been placed in a foster or medical foster, He could have also easily been adopted as a special needs dog.

Helping the Pets and People Who Need the Most Support Wade Sadler  MCAS Director February 2020

“At MCAS, Sadler has championed programs to make services more accessible to the pets and people of the community…. “Yes, I care a lot about animals,

but I also want to be able to help the people attached to those animals. We’re considering the social justice perspective relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what it means for the services we offer. How do we help the people who are struggling, who need the most support, or who aren’t accessing our services?”

MCAS managers have completely violated the agency mission.

November 3, 2025

“Spoke with Herbe [Multnomah County Department of Corrections, counselor] at 863362- Herbe confirmed that there is not a current release date set for AO. Advised that we have not been able to secure placement, and with pets medical/behavioral history, will likely be moving forward with humane euth. Herbe inquired about an additional week to determine if the AO will be released. Advised that at this point, we cannot offer an extended hold but if she gets additional information, to please call asap in the event the pet is still in our care. Herbe expressed understanding. //jkt”

Understanding that MCAS has given a rigid ultimatum without options is far different from an acceptance of the alleged “reasons” behind the ultimatum. There is no evidence on record that MCAS sought any placement options despite their statement otherwise. Some options are listed above: respite fosters, special adoptions.

In a similar case, as an individual rescue, I took a senior level 2 dog from MCAS who belonged to a prisoner. I boarded his dog and with his permission and, after 6 months, placed her in home. She died of cancer loved and regarded as worth the effort about a year later. No one thought it wasn’t worthwhile. Her name was Mumbles. Do not tell me it can’t be done.

Buddy was killed on November 7, 2025 as DM-UU2, ‘unhealthy and untreatable,’ ‘moribund end stage disease,’ when he was not. All dogs killed at MCAS are labeled unhealthy and untreatable to cover for MCAS lack of effort and responsibility.

November 5 2025, Rounds Review

“Rounds met. Due to multiple medical issues that impact quality of life and aggressive behavior towards other animals, move to humane euthanasia.”

What affected Buddy’s quality of life was compelling his death. All of his daily behavior monitoring sheets from August 2025 were positive, some marked with hearts. There are none for his recent admission. It may be a discontinued practice.

The veterinary record contradicts the euthanasia statement made by the managers.

October 31, 2025, Vet Exam

“Assessment:
-Gingival mass- r/o benign vs neoplastic
-Subdermal mass- r/o benign vs neoplastic
-Moderate peridontal disease
-Heart murmur [ 2/6 left systolic; regular heart rate and rhythm]

Plan:

Full sedation for biopsies would be necessary to reach diagnosis for both masses, however even if they are benign, they need to be completely excised due to both of them bleeding; this will be a much more involved procedure and needs to be schduled as a mass removal surgery combined with neuter under general anesthesia rather than sedation and small biopsy; this can be done at MCAS when staffing allows but ideally recommend transfer to rescue due to our very limited surgical capacity.

-Given the chronicity of masses and visible characteristics there is a very good chance both masses are benign.

– Recommend transfer to a rescue for behavior reasons as well; he is an EXTREMELY friendly dog toward people but adopters need to be screened since he cannot be around other dogs.”

While living on the streets, there was one dog aggression incident on April 28, 2023 involving a small dog on leash when Buddy was briefly at large. The probationary time for a Level 2 designation, one year, had long passed without any further incidents. An incident does not define a lifetime unless MCAS needs to make it so for convenience. The pictures are not attached to this record.

April 28, 2023, Finalized Animal Control Issue Summary #279900

“ … MARIA stated that she put out her hand to fend off the dog and was bit…Maria stated the owner was close by and was able to regain control of the dog.”

What is remarkable is that living on the streets is challenging for all dogs, and yet there were no further incidents of any sort.

Options

Buddy could have been treated at MCAS accessing Dolly Fund dollars intended for the special medical needs of shelter animals. But that restricted fund is seldom accessed for animals. For interim care, medical fosters are always available. Instead Buddy was killed to save the managers’ effort and time consuming thought.

October 16, 2025

“Called MCDC 83689 to speak to Curtis W [AO]

He stated that Buddy was dog aggressive, he also stated that Buddy is trained to do a number of tasks, including turn lights on and off. He also knows sit, lay down and roll over (per owner)”

There are multiple types of dog aggression, every one manageable, some rehabilitatable (for example, common place leash reactivity). MCAS made no effort to seek clarification about what the owner meant by “dog aggression.” All dogs? Under what circumstances? They needed an excuse to kill him then falsified the reason. Buddy was not “unhealthy and untreatable.”

The agency freely violates its public service contract and were this a normal government would be investigated and held accountable.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

Buddy’s records, redacted

MCAS Records_297465 Buddy-Updated November 17 2025-RedactedDownload

MCAS’ Pets in Crisis Policy, Started November 2016, ended July 2022

MCAS Pets in Crisis Policy_Effective November 2016 until July 2022Download

Shelters Move Toward Alternatives, Cornell University, Dog Watch Newsletter, April 2016

Shelters Move Toward Alternatives_Cornell UniversityDownload

Dog-Dog Aggression-Whole Dog Journal May 2024_Pat Miller

Dog-Dog Aggression-Whole Dog Journal May 2024_Pat MillerDownload

Jason Renaud’s Dog Respite Proposal, September 2022

Jason Renaud_Dog Respite ProposalDownload

Elektra: A fragile medically neglected French Bull dog lost at a park, neglected and killed by MCAS

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Where was Dolly’s Fund?

Dolly’ Fund donations intended by the public for the special medical needs of shelter animals is seldom accessed for animals. Despite audit concerns, and documented in 2024 of the diversion of the restricted funds elsewhere, Dolly’s Fund is still not reaching animals with medical needs a year later.

Multnomah County Auditor: Animal Shelter still misusing earmarked donations

The fund was named Dolly’s Fund in honor of Dolly, a medically fragile dachshund with a grave skin condition that MCAS veterinarians and animal care staff treated in 2010, restoring Dolly’s life. The fund was established as a restricted donation fund by the County Commissioners to be used to finance medical care for animal patients like Dolly, though, as reported in the Oregonian article, they have been using it outside that scope, including to pay for salaries.

Elektra, ID# 350281 and Reznor, ID# 350283

Dolly’s pictures, before and after care, are featured above alongside the pictures of Elektra and her partner Reznor. They were separated at MCAS; Elektra who came with a severe skin condition and evidence of other neglect, in addition to likely being bred for profit, was killed; Reznor went into foster care and a rapid $25 adoption.

Had Dolly been impounded today, the funds now donated in her name would have never reached her. Dogs with special medical needs are triaged and killed at MCAS unless other rescues, often with less funding but an investment in compassion will take them.

In 2025, MCAS no longer saves the lives of dogs like Dolly, despite having the means through Dolly’s Fund and the ability to support dogs with special medical needs through medical and hospice fosters. Once they did. It has become a cull and kill operation devoid of all compassion. If words could resurrect Elektra’s life to save her I would, but it’s too late. She was summarily killed on May 2, 2025, 9 days after being left at MCAS along with her partner, Reznor, from whom she was separated and saw briefly only once on April 24 as he walked by. From Reznor’s records, April 24, 2025: “…Dog followed me to play yard, tail low, and ears back. On the way he had a good sniff with Elektra (350281).”

During her brief impoundment, Elektra was frightened, anxious, and avoidant.

The last behavior note was on April 30, 2025 when Elektra developed bloody diarrhea, an event so commonplace that MCAS has created a diarrhea waiver to “indemnify” (from their wording) themselves against it.

April 30, 2025,

“Passing by kennel in AM I noticed a large amount of blood. Dog was running back and forth, slipping and sliding, ears back, eyes wide, barking with whining growls. I went to outside door, and she approached, continuing to bark. When I cracked door she attempted to move through it, then backed away. I was able to toss leash over her head. Once leashed she walked out of kennel, pacing back and forth near my side. JB had called Animal Health, and CP [an Animal Care Technician 2] came to observe. I put her back in kennel, so they could sedate for an exam. Returned with snake hook to removed [sic] leash. She mouthed towards it once, retreating. I held door slightly cracked, and she approached. I was able to hook and remove lead. She retreated inside.”

Later on the day of April 30, Elektra was examined by an on site veterinarian followed by an assessment and plan.

“Assessment
-Bloody stool 4/29 and blood from anus today- R/O acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome, open
-Prolapsed gland of the third eye lid (cherry eye) OD (right eye)
-Bilateral otitis externa
-LH lameness- R/O OA (osteoarthritis)/ DJD (degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, soft tissue injury, open
-Dermatitis- likely secondary to allergies
– Bilateral otitis externa- – likely secondary to allergies
-Mild dental disease
High FaS [Fear, Anxiety, and Stress] prior to sedation
2 long scars on ventral abdomianal midline -R/O previous C-section, OVH (Ovariohysterectomy, laparotomy, open)”

The treatment plan included fluids, applicable medications, a bland diet for 7 days or longer if needed and treatment of her ears.

But Elekra was allowed no time to recover and heal. Instead Elektra was ordered killed the following day on May 1, as “unhealthy and untreatable,” a diagnosis unsupported by veterinary assessment and in direct contrast to the available behavior reports.

May 1, 2025,

“Rounds discussed and will move to humane euthanasia due to compounding behavior and medical concerns.”

Elektra’s death was not “humane,” as MCAS managers/leaders described. It was opportunistic and borne out of indifference.

The majority of the medical concerns were linked to allergies, none of which were remotely“unhealthy and untreatable.” The medical treatment program was interrupted and disrupted one day after it was prescribed. And Elektra’s fears and anxiety were more than likely linked to the distress caused by her severe skin condition which had not been treated.

Elektra’s medical and behavior concerns were compounded, only in the sense that her anxious and fearful behavioral distress were linked to and exacerbated/caused by her painful medical conditions. Research, as well as common sense, support that pain from medical skin conditions can cause diarrhea, while also creating anxiety/fear and aggression. Relieving pain and suffering from Elektra’s medical condition would have resolved stacked stressors causing behavioral fear and irritability

American Veterinary Medical Association Jul 11, 2022 — Pruritic, atopic dogs showed significant increases in fear- and anxiety-related behaviors as well as aggression compared with a large control)

It is clear that all of her behaviors described in the records were fearful and avoidant; and not aggressive at all.

April 25, 2025,

“Data Collection

Elektra was avoidant in kennel. Barking and huffing, stiff, ears back, eyes wide. Would retreat to far side. When I entered kennel she began small hops with her barks, and some whining growls. Glancing around kennel. I moved to inside door, and opened it, holding her leash and collar inside, she approached to sniff it, and I swung slip lead over her head. She barked at hopped, then followed me out of kennel. In play yard she began high pitched whining.

Followed me through yards for a few laps, then down to agility trail. On trail she began to paint [sic] tongue lolling out, walking at my heel. I crouched down, and she whined and moved away. I sat still for a moment, and she moved near my side for a brief sniff of my treat pouch. Startled and jerked back when I reached for it to offer treat, No interest in treats outside of kennel.

Any movement towards he [sic] would cause her to move away, flinch or whine. Returned towards outside of kennel, and she pulled towards the inside. I began to maneuver slip lead, attempting to open loop. She returned to her barking with small hops, ears back, eyes wide. Some whining growls, then retreating towards inside, tightening loop back up.

I had brought her leash and collar from kennel front, and was able to drop it through slip lead loop, using it to pull the leash over her head. She air snapped at it once when it was near her face. Once leash was off she ran to outside door, seeking exit. I was able to use leashed [sic] and door to block her, and exit kennel. No reaction towards leashes, just avoided them.”

There was only one previous behavior data collection on April 24, and described similar fearful avoidant behaviors, not aggression. Elektra’s behavior harmed no one. It may be that MCAS managers don’t know how to manage an animal’s fear, the majority caused by MCAS environment and policies. But mislabeling dogs to kill them is a deliberate evasion of responsibility and victimizes the animals they have targeted. They designate animals what they have proven themselves to be: “unhealthy and untreatable,” and it is another form of government created animal abuse.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

MCAS records for Elektra, redacted

MCAS Records_350281 Elektra-RedactedDownload

MCAS records for Reznor, redacted

MCAS Records_350283 Reznor-RedactedDownload

Study links skin allergies in dogs to problem behaviors, American Veterinary Medical Association, November 2019

Study links skin allergies in dogs to problem behaviors_American Veterinary Medical Association-November 2019Download

Associations Between Atopic Dermatitis and Anxiety, Aggression, and Fear-Based Behaviors in Dogs, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, July 2022

McAuliffeetal-2022-dermatitisandbehaviorDownload

MCAS’ toxic environment: The cause of Winnie’s death

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Winnie, ID# 300464

Winnie is a neglected six year old German Shepherd mix found as a stray on October 17, 2024. She would have been better off left on the streets in the care of strangers, not left instead at MCAS where disease and indifference are rampant. Winnie was hospitalized at MCAS after developing kennel cough and pneumonia on the same day that she was approved for foster care on November 11, 2024. By then, she had been at the shelter for 24 days. On November 12, 2024, the managers rejected life saving medical care in favor of expedient killing. They assigned her to immediate euthanasia that day.

November 12, 2024,

“Rounds met and due to multiple previously diagnosed chronic medical conditions with the current medical concerns causing a concern for her QOL [Quality of life], rounds elects to move forward with euthanasia.”

The managers’ justifications for euthanasia are self serving and dishonest. More time is dedicated to finding reasons to transfer or kill animals than to save their lives, despite having over a million dollars in Dolly’s Fund, a historically misused restricted fund for special medical care needs of shelter animals. It is the managers’ quality of life that might be affected if they were to work towards their funded mission. Winnie had “…multiple previously diagnosed chronic medical conditions,” but they were treatable, manageable, and even correctable. Winnie’s quality of life depended upon and required medical care. They denied it.

On November 12, 2024, the on site veterinarian recommended:

“Rounds Review to decide next steps: Recommend starting IV fluids and IV antibiotics (at MCAS or DLEAH [Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital]) or euthanasia.”

The only mention of the significance of prior chronic conditions occurred during an earlier stray intake in February 2024. They were described as treatable and manageable and were considered so until Winnie contracted preventable kennel cough and pneumonia at MCAS. Which then became a rationalization for wanting to clear space with as little effort as possible.

On February 6, 2024, Winnie was brought in as a stray exhibiting signs of neglect (with similar concerns noted on previous stray intakes: August 2020; October 2023).

February 6, 2024, Health Exam; Veterinary recommendation:

“OK to be adopted by finder at end of hold time if they can continue treatment/ management of skin and ear conditions which will likely need long term (potentially lifelong) management.”

From multiple MCAS record entries, it is clear that Winnie had a fine quality of life with chronic medical conditions.

October 23, 2024, Data Collection:

“Readily approached me at outside kennel door, wagging tail with perked ears. Easy to reach in and leash. Pulls a bit on leash, sniffing and wagging tail. Readily accepted pats on head, back, chin, and neck. Wiggling back and forth in front of me as I pet her. Sniffed dogs in neighboring kennels, whining and bumping kennel door with nose, high wagging tail. Tossed treats which she ate as I exited kennel.”

Even with chronic medical conditions, Winnie was a happy dog interested in the world around her with a quality of life. Chronic, treatable, manageable and correctable medical conditions, most secondary to neglect, didn’t become a management “concern” until MCAS managers were hopping around seeking to pile on excuses to kill her out of their indifference.

MCAS managers changed the rules to legitimize and normalize killing for space and convenience. They have no compassion for animals and the public they serve. Those in charge of MCAS supervision go along to get along and look the other way.

Veterinarians and others serve the managers, not the mission.

Before 2016, veterinarians had a more central role being part of the Rounds Review (formerly Shelter Review) committee. They were mandatory presences, part of the minimum 3 parties necessary to form a quorum. These meetings were open to invested parties such as trainers, staff, volunteers, rescues. The meetings also included a specific diplomate in behavioral veterinary medicine on contract to the agency twice a month. After 2016, former Director Jackie Rose changed the language such that Veterinarians were no longer required to be present, being relegated to optional advisory roles.

Under Director Erin Grahek, the Rounds Review meetings are supposed to include staff veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians. However, as is seen in Winnie’s record, these meetings are far too short to possibly include any meaningful input from veterinary staff. The Rounds Review met and decided Winnie’s fate over the course of 4 minutes on November 12, 2024, and immediately after the managers signed off on her euthanasia. The speed with which these decisions are made is consistent across many records, and public records requests regarding what parties are present are ignored.

Staff veterinarians could and did frequently consult with other community veterinary professionals and were actively part of critical care decisions including final dispositions. MCAS used to have medical and hospice fosters to support animals with special needs. Handicaps and illness were not considered the end of life.

MCAS is no longer a public shelter but a private preserve. That is why Winnie died. The managers, trusted to care for shelter animals, did not want to put in more time or effort than is necessary to sign off on her euthanasia. 4 minutes could never be enough time to weigh a life. The money was there, in Dolly’s Fund.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

Winnie’s MCAS Records, Redacted.

MCAS Records_300464 Winnie-RedactedDownload

MCAS Rounds Review Policies, 2014; Working Draft under Former Director Michael Oswald

MCAS Shelter Review Guidelines-2014-Working DraftDownload

MCAS Rounds Review Policies, 2016; under Former Jackie Rose

MCAS Shelter Review Guidelines-2016Download

MCAS Rounds Review Euthanasia Policies, 2024; under Director Erin Grahek, Page 3

MCAS Euthanasia Policy-2024Download

MCAS convenience euthanasia: Killing Malaki the senior Malamute

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Updated from initial posting: TIME SENSITIVE/URGENT: Please protest Malaki’s impending death

Malaki, MCAS ID# 324511

Malaki’s death was ordered by MCAS on September 29, 2024 and carried out on October 02, 2024 despite his happy nature, quality of life, and the existence of realistic humane alternatives. The humane alternatives ranged from management to curative.

On September 30, 2024, the day after Malaki was ordered killed by the MCAS’ Rounds Review, his behavior notes in a play yard outing challenged their description that he was moribund, medically unhealthy and untreatable (DM-UU 2: Moribund/End stage disease). Public pleas for his life went unheeded.

September 30, 2024

“Brought him out to a play yard. Knows sit, sat to let me leash him up. Very friendly and wiggly boy. Ran around the play yards Sniffed everything. Some interest in tennis balls. Mostly just wanted to hold them in his mouth. Spent most of the time jogging and walking around. Flopped on the grass and solicited pets, loves belly rubs. Played a little in the pool water. Sy came to take him for a walk through Agility. Very sweet and friendly dog, loves dogs and people. Playful.”

September 29, 2024 Rounds Review.

“Due to severe medical issues affecting his QOL [quality of life] electing euthanasia with veterinary recommendations.”

Nothing in Malaki’s record supported killing him. The contrast between the two entries could not be more at odds. The agency’s veterinarian, a primary care veterinarian, Dr. A. Fischbach, never consulted with veterinary rehabilitation specialists or surgery specialists. This is despite describing medical conditions that are wholly objectively treatable, manageable, and correctable–if animal care was a managerial priority.

On September 12, 2024 Dr. Fischbach examined Malaki for reported lameness.

Animal Care Review (ACR):

“Mobility issues in hind end. Started Carprofen 9/8 for discomfort.

Musculoskeletal:

-Ambulatory x4 with hind end stiffness

-Resists extension of both hips; slight yelp on extension of left hip

-Mild crepitus [joint popping, caused by a number of things, including air bubbles, or Arthritis can cause bones to rub together, which can lead to pain and stiffness] in left tarsus [the bones of the ankle and foot]

A [Assessment]:

-Hind end stiffness- r/o OA [osteoarthritis] DJD [degenerative joint disease], hip dysplasia, IVDD [Intervertebral disc disease] open

P [Plan]

-Decrease carprofen to 200 mg PO SID and continue indefinitely

-Recommended adopter monitor mobility and for signs of pain and establish care with their vet to discuss diagnostic and management options


Medically clear: yes with indemnity for suspected OA/DJD”

On September 21, 2024, Dr Fischbach reviewed veterinary records and radiographs from a private veterinary clinic, indicating a concern for a bilateral cruciate ligament injury and chronic pain in October 2023. The owner at that time described Malaki as struggling to hold himself up to urinate and defecate.

Eleven months later, in September 2024, Maliki was able to run around and play with other dogs while at MCAS. The only intervention was carprofen for pain relief. There was no reference at MCAS about difficulties holding himself up. He was described as able to walk and even run, meaning whatever physical compromises Malaki had did not interfere with his current quality of life. He was not functionally disabled.

Nevertheless, Dr. Fischbach withdrew her previous medical clearance and recommended euthanasia if all of the speculative conditions and speculative care needs could not be provided. She did this without consulting specialists in veterinary rehabilitation medicine or surgeons knowledgeable about the physical compromises Malaki was reported to possibly have.

“Long term pt will need surgery for cruciate ligament disease as well as physical therapy, and additional treatments for chronic osteoarthritis (Adequan injections, Librela injections, joint supplements).”

“If unable to provide the above, recommend humane euthanasia due to chronic pain affecting [quality of life].”

Why?

Why were there no veterinary consultations when that is the purpose of Dolly’s Fund, a restricted donation driven fund for the special medical needs of shelter animals?

Why save Dolly’s Fund and not the dog?

Suspected cruciate ligament injuries can successfully be addressed through surgery. Pain from almost any condition, including osteoarthritis, can be managed and controlled through multiple modalities including medications and laser light therapy, among others. Even agility carts play a role in creating mobility options for dogs with mobility compromises. As far back as 2005, a Malamute was ironically featured in a report in Dogwatch March 2005, titled “Get Them Moving Again: Customized two-wheel carts can help dogs with mobility problems enjoy life. Carts introduce mobility back to dogs of all sizes. Carts are available for rent at low cost at Back on Track Veterinary Rehabilitation Center in Portland, Oregon.

It had already been confirmed throughout Malaki’s behavior described in agency’s notes that Malaki’s pain was already well managed even without confirmed diagnoses and curative treatment.

Dolly’s Fund was never accessed despite its availability and a large endowment that increases daily. That is because if MCAS cannot foist off dogs with medical needs to other rescues, their second plan is to intentionally mislabel them as “unhealthy and untreatable” because they do not want to provide needed care.

When Washington Malamute Rescue (WAMAL) declined to take Malaki, Malaki’s life ended despite that his condition was neither severe nor incurable. He became inconvenient.

September 29, 2024

“WAMAL Declined due to no space and they wouldn’t be able to provide the necessary care he needs.”

MCAS could provide care. It was dipping into Dolly’s Fund, the managers wanted to avoid because they have diverted the funds away from animal care. They could easily have paid for Malaki’s consultation through Dolly’s Fund and his follow up care through an MCAS foster. That was once practice. Afterwards they could have featured Malaki as an example of the good work Dolly’s Fund was providing sheltered indigent animals.

MCAS managers didn’t want to take care of him, so they killed him as a convenience. By mislabeling him as “unhealthy and untreatable,” they disowned their deliberate failure to provide care, and their cruelty, knowing he indeed had a fine quality of life. They took that away from him.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

Malaki’s Records, redacted save for Dr. A. Fischbach’s references

MCAS Records_324511 Malaki-RedactedDownload

TIME SENSITIVE/URGENT: Please protest Malaki’s impending death

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Updated in: MCAS convenience euthanasia: Killing Malaki the senior Malamute

Malaki, ID# 324511

Malaki is a sweet-natured senior Alaskan Malamute mix set to be euthanized due to ambulatory compromises. Malaki qualifies for Dolly’s Fund and foster care.

Under the current management, MCAS has discontinued accessing the over one million dollars in Dolly’s Fund restricted to the medical needs of shelter animals. Instead in violation of the intent of the public fund, they have re-directed donated monies to spay and neuter vouchers and, at most, comfort care should dogs with medical concerns be transferred to Dove Lewis for care.

Concerns about management conduct

1. Inappropriate behavior testing

While seeking rescue options, why did the management place Malaki in 2 dog play groups, one on September 20, 2024 and another on September 23, 2024 to assess his dog compatibility skills when chronic pain affects behavior and when physical activity aggravates a bilateral cruciate ligament injury?

2. Not valuing the lives of dogs with disabilities

Why are the only options MCAS considers rescue or death for handicapped animals even as the agency continues to gather public monies for the special medical needs of shelter animals but instead redirects it elsewhere?

The Oregon Humane Society declined to take Malaki back on September 14, 2024 after obtaining veterinary radiographic records taken in October 2023 for Malaki. The attending veterinarian suspected advanced bilateral cruciate compromises that the OHS medical team does not have the capability to treat. Now MCAS managers are seeking senior dog rescues to take Malaki with a follow up on September 26, 2024, which usually implies a literal deadline: Euthanasia.

On September 21, 2024 the on site MCAS veterinarian outlined a treatment plan that if other rescues could not take him, Malaki should be euthanized. Why?

“Long term [physical therapy] will need surgery for cruciate ligament disease as well as physical therapy, and additional treatments for chronic osteoarthritis (Adequan injections, Librela injections, joint supplements). If unable to provide the above, recommend humane euthanasia due to chronic pain affecting [Quality of life]”

Nothing in the record suggests Malaki now on pain relief and other osteoarthritis support medications is suffering at all.

September 07, 2024, Intake notes:

“Behavior observations: Dog was easy to loop leash and walk to intake room. Did well for all handlings and treatment. Paced throughout time in exam room and continued to look for a way out of room, scratching door at times. Overall was social with handler. Adoption pathway once medically cleared if not reclaimed.”

September 23, 2024, ‘Behavior Walk’ notes:

“Malaki greeted me at his outside kennel with a wiggle butt and a smile, no issues leashing. We did a loop in the front parking lot, he pulled moderately. Accepted contact and leaned in for pets. Returned to kennel and exited without issue.”

September 23, 2024, Play Group notes:

“Yard Summary: Had him out for a little while but he kept trying to run around and mount other dogs so we felt it was better to bump him.”

Why kill a happy, well adjusted dog whose pain is controlled and who has a quality of life even without extraordinary measures and interventions?

Live Options

MCAS can pay for specialist consultations with Dr Bianca Shaw of Back on Track Veterinary Clinic who has assisted with MCAS dogs before. They can also pay, often at discount, for a veterinary orthopedic surgeon for a detailed or even cursory review of options from practical management to rehabilitation. Having gone to Back on Track for dogs with far greater compromises than Malaki—one being Tash, an MCAS Akita/Husky mix with significant ambulatory problems—I know compromises can be managed well, from carts to medications, even if they are not cured.

MCAS has claimed it has no resources when it does: Dolly’s Fund. MCAS also has a foster care system that can manage a dog with Malaki’s physical compromises. People are willing to adopt compromised dogs.

They just don’t want to take on the ‘chore’ involved in taking care of medically compromised animals despite having funding through Dolly’s Fund. Even though success stories of animals that are rehabilitated through Dolly’s Fund would directly encourage the effectiveness of the donation driven fund.

If MCAS is unwilling to spend Dolly’s Fund for its purpose, please distribute it to private non-profits and clinics who will help dogs with disadvantages.

This is a community of compassion in fact with mandates directing respect for all lives including those of the handicapped. Please don’t kill Malaki. He deserves his life, unjudged by others.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock


The general number is 503-988-7387, it is a hard number to get through sometimes.   Every manager’s phone number and email is listed below:

MCAS Director  Erin Grahek erin.grahek@multco.us, 503-988 6233
Monday through Friday
She took over as interim director starting from the first week of July 2024. She was appointed director in September without a background in animal sheltering.  MCAS has been in crisis with massive staff departures ever since. 

Operations manager Marian Cannell  marian.cannell@multco.us, 503-988-6763
Monday through Friday  

Animal Care Operations Manager andrew.mathias@multco.us,  503-988-9989
Tuesday through Saturday  

Field Services Supervisor Jennifer Turner   jennifer.turner@multco.us, 503-988-9079

Animal Care Supervisor  dalynn.torres@multco.us, 503-988-4610 
Sunday through Thursday

Client Services Manager echo.gill@multco.us,  503-988- 9086
Tuesday through Saturday

MCAS’ protocol for handicapped dogs; Tic Tac: Kill unless rescued

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Tic Tac, ID# 325340

Before 2016, caring for the special medical needs of animals in the community was an actively implemented part of MCAS’ mission. On paper, their Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 budget, it still is.

“Historically, the primary role of MCAS has been animal control enforcement and stray animal sheltering. In harmony with County equity goals and the MCAS North Star of providing quality care for animals and equitable services for the community, MCAS is shifting resources toward supporting pet owners to care for and retain their animals. The aim is to prevent animals from needing shelter due to surrender or abandonment, and to intervene prior to the need for enforcement activity.”– Community Services FY 2024-2025 Adopted Budget, page 11.

Current MCAS management ended its quality care commitment to shelter animals, passing off its responsibility to independent rescues. Rescues that, despite lacking the resources of a well funded government agency, are successful in providing quality care to their animals. MCAS has rejected its mission without any public notice and under the cover of silence.

Dolly’s Fund is a public fund restricted to the care of shelter animals with special medical needs now stands at well over a million dollars, with donations increasing daily. It has been intentionally diverted to unrelated expenditures, taken away from animals in need and is now directed in part to fund the agency’s spay and neuter voucher system and, on occasion, emergency visits to Dove Lewis where most commonly MCAS does not approve funding for additional life saving care.

MCAS managers’ refusal to allocate Dolly’s Fund dollars towards the care of its shelter animals with special needs was accompanied by ending the medical and respite foster program. Unless the agency hands off its responsibility towards its special needs animals to a rescue, they are killed as “unhealthy and untreatable.” They do this despite these animals being fully treatable and rehabilitatable.

Physically handicapped animals are denied necessary care unless a rescue or humane organization responds before the Rounds Review, often within days of an animal’s intake, decides to kill the animal. Jackson 322762, a very personable physically handicapped dog, was thriving despite his handicap, was denied care and recently killed despite humane options. If Dolly’s Fund were allocated to his care, his story would have fully captured the letter and spirit behind the donation driven fund.

MCAS should have at minimum provided medical foster and rehabilitation consultation itself, or looked for further options. Instead of the initiative and commitment they purport in their mission, their approach uses short deadlines in which animals are killed unless a rescue intervenes.

Tic Tac, a disabled puppy’s rescue in progress

Tic Tac, a three month old, is a social Chihuahua mix full of vim and vigor. He was taken to MCAS on September 13, 2024 and diagnosed with a bilateral carpal deformity. Meaning that his gait was abnormal; he had difficulty walking because his limbs were fixed in a flexed position and could not be extended.

On September 14, 2024, the county animal care veterinary department medically assessed Tic Tac. The plan was to seek transfer to a rescue for consultation with a neurologist and/or orthopedic surgeon, pending a followup radiograph of the spine and limbs on September 15, 2024. That radiograph showed no overt fractures or dislocation, or evidence of trauma.

September 14, 2024, Vet Consultations Notes:

“– Recommend seek transfer to a rescue that can provide further care for severe gait abnormalities; this would involve scheduling a consult with a neurologist and/or orthopedic specialist to discuss surgical treatment options and/or physical therapy/rehab options to see if abnormalities can be corrected/managed; if unable to improve gait with surgery and PT/rehab, the only alternative option would be fitting pt for a cart.

– If no transfer options available, recommend humane euthanasia as abnormalities forelimbs are particularly severe and will affect quality of life if not able to be addressed; not an adoption candidate. …

… Medically cleared? (Yes/No): clear for transfer; not clear for foster or adoption.”

Why wouldn’t MCAS pay for a consultation with a veterinary rehabilitation clinic, when Dolly’s Fund is more flush with money than ever been? Why would MCAS assume that nobody in a progressive city and county would adopt or foster a special needs dog after a treatment and care plan was in place?

Tic Tac showed everyone that handicaps are not the end of life. His feisty personality is so clear in notes on September 15, 2024.

“… Approaches kennel readily. Whimpers, grumbles and howls to solicit attention. Prefers to be at front of kennel to watch hospital staff members. Cuddly, did great in medical swing carrier while entering data at desk. Allows treatment and handling readily including unsedated rads. Dog selective- suddenly stood up and began barking and growling loudly while treating large lab in hospital next to kennel. Redirected and quieted after several minutes with positive verbal reinforcement…”

Tic Toc’s record illuminates another enormous vacuum at MCAS: Waivers dismissing responsibility replace training and behavior that address challenges thoughtfully with a plan. Waivers, including “dog selective” waivers, are intended only as cautionary warnings that don’t inform or teach. Their primary intention is to protect the agency management by ensuring that the adopting parties ‘have been advised.’ A positive reinforcement plan is about seeking change and would include rewarding a dog for responding positively not fearfully as the distance to stressors is incrementally reduced.

MCAS has the resources to care for Tic Tac and other dogs like him and once did care for them. Whether a rescue has stepped forward for Tic Tac is not known yet. MCAS has the resources, they just don’t want to put out the effort. There are no consequences for killing as a convenience.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

The leading causes of animals’ deaths at MCAS

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Gross incompetence and convenience euthanasia

Cora, ID #323294

MCAS managers do not know how to manage distressed or sick animals who most often enter MCAS with normal behavior. On record, their only management tools are the use of force and/or psychotropic medications. If a dog does not take the psychotropic medication, then they kill the dog claiming ‘distress got in the way of medical care.’ They do not call in experts to address how to successfully treat distress when it is a barrier to care.

Cora was 11 months old when she was surrendered by her owner on August 23, 2024 for intractable diarrhea and vomiting. He believed Cora might have been poisoned due to the spray from the landscapers. She had been sick since the previous Sunday, August 18, 2024. He had been force feeding human food to get calories into her. He could not afford her care.

One day after admissions, on August 24, Cora was killed for “behavior,” secondary to agency stress after a veterinary exam under sedation. In order to sedate Cora who was fearful a catch pole was used to hold her in place.

There were alternatives to euthanasia including calling the owner to assist; consult with a behavioral veterinary specialist; refer to Dove Lewis where they successfully treat animals with behavior challenges. One was a street dog of ours, Harley, who had a behavior challenge (fear of strangers) who underwent surgery for lung cancer and lived to tell the tale. Most veterinarians are trained to deal with distressed dogs. MCAS does not permit behavior training critical to the welfare of shelter animals.

After finding no evidence of Gastrointestinal obstruction or foreign material, the veterinarian on duty ordered Cora killed for behavior and medical reasons:

“-Due to behavior, unable to provide supportive care pt needs for vomiting and diarrhea.

-Concern for QOL [quality of life] given severe FAS [fear, anxiety and stress] as well as medical condition for which she will not tolerate treatments.

– Recommend humane euthanasia for both behavioral and medical reasons”

An 11 month old dog ill, terrified, separated from her owner and everything she knew should not be killed for “behavior,” described as “unhealthy and untreatable” for a treatable illness she had already lived with and tolerated for a week.

Veterinary professionals at MCAS have no professional independence under the current management. They must obey the directives dictated to them, even as they contradict the agency’s mission and the purpose of Dolly’s Fund.

The agency’s decision to kill Cora instead of transferring her to Dove Lewis or seeking expert advice indicates its management’s fundamental lack of interest and unwillingness to spend public money on ownerless animals. Even Dolly’s Fund is stipulated to be used precisely for cases of special medical care needs dogs like Cora.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

MCAS eliminates “Humane” from its mission

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One example, Saving Dolly’s Funds: Killing the animals for which it’s intended

To: Director Erin Grahek
CC: Marian Cannell
CC: Chair Jessica Vega Pederson; the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners
CC: Margi Bradway, Director, Department of Community Services Director

Dolly’s Fund’s re-directed monies: A 2-pronged approach.

The strategy was to first eliminate medical and hospice fosters long in place at MCAS, intended to provide support to implement Dolly’s Fund. Second, once these were eliminated, the euthanasia protocols were revised to reflect a “lack of resources” when the monies are there. What Director Grahek and Operations manager Marian Cannell have hijacked Dolly’s Fund by eliminating that care system, leaving “free cash” for other purposes.

That is chicanery: A dishonest diversion of publicly donated funds with a restricted purpose to be used as stipulated by County Board Resolution 2015-024. They have other donation driven funds for other purposes, but Dolly’s Fund is flush with cash ‘so why not dip into it?’ It is an illegal theft of donated dollars that has gone on for years, and is still continuing.

The same holds true for the rejection of a behavior and training program critical to the well-being of shelter animals who are disproportionately from an under-served demographic. A behavior and training program is also critical for the training of staff and volunteers and serves additionally as an important resource for adopters seeking to return animals and surrendering owners. Before 2016, behaviorists and trainers were welcomed at the agency, including as an integral part of the Rounds Review process to determine whether to authorize euthanasia. The current euthanasia policy specifically does not require the expertise of behaviorists and trainers.

What the rejection of a Behavior and Training Department accomplishes is leaving managers unaccountable, free to kill animals as “unhealthy and untreatable” when they are not while disowning all professional responsibility. Animals are now killed because of agency generated stress and care less adoptions when the fault is management. To avoid challenge, MCAS eliminated all members of the Shelter Review Committee in particular behaviorists, trainers, volunteers and anyone with a thought about humane options. It is a private club limited to managers only.

MCAS now operates as a legally convenient cheap pet resale shop. If the shelter were not a government institution, it would have been shut down for animal abuse.

Why is the Director of MCAS and the managers of MCAS allowed by the County Chair and County Board of Commissioners to hijack and destroy the agency’s humane mission?

Public records support the observations reported. Anyone can read and see these trends through public records. Albeit the routine request of greater numbers of public records comes at a greater cost ($68.13/hour of work) compared to smaller requests.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock, PhD

Citizens for Humane Animal Legislation/Watchdog

MCAS’ Brutal indifference to handicapped animals

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Jackson, ID# 322762

Jackson, awaiting euthanasia on September 04, 2024

On September 4, Jackson, a very friendly valiant young dog who had learned to navigate and compensate for hemiparesis and blindness, was scheduled to be killed because MCAS managers claimed to have exhausted all options for his care

They had not. They simply prefer the expediency of killing the helpless.

These were the options

On September 02, 2024, The Humane Society of SW Washington had accepted Jackson for medical care but were over capacity and asked to be contacted in a few days. On September 03, they declined due to their current population.

MCAS could have placed Jackson in foster care until space opened up at the Humane Society of SW Washignton or another option was found elsewhere. MCAS once had medical fosters but the current management claims to have eliminated the program, despite it still being part of the Dog Foster Handbook (FAQ, “What are the common reasons that dogs need fostering?”, page 29).

Jackson just needed a foster, it didn’t have to be a medical foster. Jackson’s medical condition was stable and his case could be managed even without an extensive neurolgical consultation. One can manage a case clinically without diagnostics. There was no consultation to even determine if extensive diagnostics are needed. Partial paralysis and blindness can be managed even if they can’t be cured.

MCAS could have accessed Dolly’s Fund, a restricted donation driven fund established by a County Resolution in 2009 and further specified in 2015 as part of another resolution, for the special medical needs of shelter animals. Instead they have continued to illegally divert it to fund spay neuter vouchers, despite both the county auditor and the Oregonian reporting on its misuse.

A consultation with a veterinary rehabilitation specialist could have been arranged about rehabilitation for dogs with semi paralysis. It is affordable. Back on Track Veterinary Rehab once collaborated over MCAS dogs in past times. And after reading about his case online, the veterinarian and founder of Back on Track on September 02, 2024, inquired on how to contact MCAS about fostering or adopting Jackson.

The timeline to his planned death on September 04, was close to the date of inquiry. Regardless, there were no lack of options, only a lack of caring and initiative.

The following statement by the Rounds Committee recommending euthanasia is inexcusable in its sophistry and jaded inhumanity. After all, MCAS believed that his life was worthy but was asking others with less funding to conduct a neurological consultation when in fact management might have been all that was needed and in any event they could well afford any associated costs from Dolly’s fund intended for that purpose.


September 4, 2024

“Rounds met and we have exhausted options and will proceed with DVM recommendations of humane euthanasia given that extensive work up would be needed to reach a diagnosis.”

Since Rounds is so easily exhausted, they should be placed on bed rest, while competent professionals are sought to enable a humane shelter.

Veterinarians at MCAS once recommended legitimate expenditures of Dolly’s Fund through consultations under leadership of former Director Michael Oswald until his retirement on April 30, 2015 (Public records examples available upon request). Michael Oswald was the only long-term Director at MCAS, as since his retirement the position has been a revolving door where people come and go every 1 to 3 years.

The current MCAS managers since 2016 have routinely rejected access to those funds when veterinarians have requested them. The effect has been that veterinarians no longer ask for referrals. The instruction is to off load medical concerns onto another organization.

A forlorn hope exists that Jackson made it through the Committee and was allowed to live, but what I know of the current management at MCAS is that they are dedicated to population control with brutal efficiency.

Gail O’Connell-Babcock

MCAS failure to care for special needs animals

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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!”