New Animal Shelter and Facility Needed to Address Capacity and Care Issues in Multnomah County.
The county is considering a new animal shelter and a separate facility for the county’s animal control services.
The Need for a New Animal Facility
The current animal shelter in Multnomah County is already at maximum capacity, with limited space for intake and care of animals. The shelter is also facing challenges in providing adequate care and socialization for the animals, which can lead to behavioral problems and reduced adoption rates.
Challenges Faced by the Current Shelter
The Benefits of a New Facility
A new animal facility would provide several benefits, including:
Potential Locations for the New Facility
The county is considering several potential locations for the new facility, including:
The Cost of the New Facility
The estimated cost of the new facility ranges from $55 to $80+ million, depending on the size and scope of the project.
The group has also been criticized for its euthanasia policies, with some volunteers saying they’re not transparent about the reasons for euthanasia. The group’s adoption process has also been questioned, with some volunteers saying it’s too lengthy and time-consuming. The group’s response to the concerns has been to increase transparency and provide more information about its policies and procedures.
The Concerns of Volunteers
Volunteers have been raising concerns about various aspects of the animal shelter’s operations. These concerns include:
Volunteers’ voices are being heard, and change is on the horizon.
The letter was sent to the county board of supervisors, and it included a list of 15 specific issues that volunteers had raised.
The Growing Concerns of Volunteers
The public comment sessions during the board meetings in October and November highlighted the growing concerns of volunteers. The sessions provided a platform for volunteers to express their opinions and raise awareness about the issues affecting their work. The concerns raised during these sessions were diverse and widespread, covering various aspects of volunteer work. Issues related to funding and resources
These concerns were not limited to a specific group of volunteers but were raised by volunteers from different organizations and backgrounds. The fact that these concerns were being raised by volunteers themselves highlights the importance of their input and perspective.
The Response of the County Commissioner
In response to the growing concerns raised by volunteers, the county commissioner, Sharon Meieran, circulated a letter to the county board of supervisors. The letter outlined the 15 specific issues that volunteers had raised and provided a platform for the board to address these concerns. The letter highlighted the importance of engaging with volunteers and listening to their concerns
The letter was a significant step towards addressing the concerns of volunteers and providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
The Impact of the Letter
The letter had a significant impact on the county’s approach to volunteer work. It marked a shift towards greater engagement and collaboration between the county and volunteers.
The Need for Transparency and Accountability
The lack of transparency and accountability in the treatment of volunteers and animals at the animal services facility has raised concerns among the public. The director of animal services, Meieran, has not been available for an interview to address these concerns.
The audit found that the shelter’s current facility is not equipped to handle the growing number of animals in the shelter.
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