Poop Scoop Clackamas County Dog Control

but it's also outrageous that the guardians let him get out on the worst night of the year for dogs, and that he had no ID (sounds like not even a microchip). I call gross negligence on the part of the guardians too. I am so freaking tired of picking obviously lost dogs and cats up off the street with no ID, and trying to figure out what to do with them. Clackamas County will not learn a lesson from this - most people could give a shit about animals and they're not going to fund better care - but hopefully the careless guardians will. And Jesus Christ - keep your animal safe on the 4th of July. Many animals are freaked out by fireworks and there's little excuse short of a serious accident for a companion animal getting out then.

Clackamas County Animal Control are money grubbing, animal grabbing, assholes. Anyone else who would have done this would be up on charges. They thought there was nothing they could do for him, so these pukes put him outside in the sun in 90 degree weather so he's out of their way and they can get on with their jobs? This makes me sick.

And to the self-righteous "==":
Accidents happen. That's why our tax dollars pay for an animal "shelter." Spare me from those who attempt to blame the victims for being wronged. Why the fuck else would there be an animal shelter? Just for those who decide they can't keep or don't want their pets anymore? What a stupid comment.

My dog is licensed, has a rabies and ID tag, and is microchipped. We're all diligent about not letting him get out, always keep him on a leash unless he is securely contained in a sturdy fence under our watchful eye - and yet, on occassion - he still gets out.

We've always been lucky, and have found him within a few minutes, except one Friday afternoon. As we were driving around, slowly, yelling his name, we saw the animal control truck. Stopped him, told him we were looking for our dog, described him, gave him our name, phone number, address.

At 5 pm, we got a call from the same officer, who was now at the Clackamas County shelter telling us he'd found our dog - about a block from our house and less than a half hour after we met him. BUT - did this prick bother to tell us then, that he had no intention of calling us if he found our dog? Nope. He was Mr. Nice Guy, helpful animal lover.

So since it was Friday closing time by the time he got around to calling us, and the shelter wasn't open during the weekend, we couldn't get our dog until Monday, when 3 days worth of boarding would be charged to us before we could get him - $90 - as well as a ticket for dog at large.

When we arrived to get him Monday - after taking the afternoon off work, we found an adoption hold on our dog! I friggin freaked out. They knew this was our dog, I spoke to them on both Friday afternoon, and Monday morning about when we could come get him. I was extrememly upset about the whole ordeal, so there was absolutely no doubt that we intended to pick him up as soon as we paid bail and he was released from jail... uh, I mean the "shelter."

It's just another public service (like the police) who victimize those they're supposed to "protect and serve" in order to pay their own salaries. It's perverse and disgusting. There's a special hell for such evil, cruel people. It makes me ashamed to be a human.

RIP Cody. No more pain, no more fear.

Shelters suck. The Clackamas County Dog Protection and Control is not run by people who care about animals. It's just a step on the government ladder. I don't know how to change this. In regards to a hoarder, one director told me he was more concerned about the gargbage than about the condition of the dogs. He also told me that animals die, but is that the owners' fault? Obviously, all people connected with a shelter should be devout animal lovers. Commissioners aren't concerned either. If anyone can think of how to make love of animals a primary requirement for shelter directors, let me know. Otherwise, keep your animals out of the shelter.


By the way, in the world when the leash law was new, my mother had a dog who was used to running free. All the neighbors knew him. Because she couldn't stand to restrain him after he was used to a life of freedom, all the neighbors would call to alert her when they saw the animal control truck. Anyway, my advise is to think of the shelter as a matter of life and death, and keep your animals out of there at all costs.

To =

The article clearly stated that the pup ran off on July 22 NOT JULY 4. That was almost 3 weeks after human idiots are allowed to let off noise makers that not only pollute the environment, burn down houses, set forests on fire, injure children and adults alike but also scares the living hell out of domestic and wild animals. Fireworks should be banned. We aren't even a free nation so what exactly are we celebrating? But lets stick to the topic. For all we know this dog was secured within his home or fenced yard and suddenly bolted out of fear.He may even have been wearing a collar and ID but lost it along the way. Just because the dog was not wearing ID doesn't mean he deserved to be killed at the hands of CC Dog Control. Even if he had Clackamas County dog tags on he would have been taken to the shelter until someone on Monday could read the tags and look in the records to determine where he lived. So he would have met the same fate regardless. The blame belongs on the shoulder of Clackamas County, Dog Control and the 2 employees who took the pup outside and left him in 92 degree heat to die. This needs to be investigated by an outside source and everyone involved must be held accountable.

maybe you can buy ID for all those dogs who get out on accident then, or go around picking up all those stray dogs and keeping them at your house and putting up signs until their guardians see them and decide to call - a lot of dogs probably get relinquished to ac because people don't know what to do with them or who else to call (and can't tell you how many times you return a dog and the guardian laughs and says they got out of that "same" hole in the fence again - never bothering to fix the fence). I agree accidents happen (although a 4th of July accident is egregious), but lack of ID is not an accident. The guardian was negligent too, which doesn't negate the negligence of animal control. It's important to take responsibility for your own mistakes and actions too.

Cody did not die due to lack of ID. He died because of apathy and negligence under the watch of people -- shelter workers -- who were not doing their jobs. He died because the people of Clackamas County continue to tolerate a dog control facility that is inadequate and has a long history of neglecting the animals in their care. This is not the first time that animals have suffered and died at CCDC and in Clackamas County because of a poorly run operation. It has been going on for years. Clackamas County residents (with support from those of us outside the county) need to demand a complete overhaul of CCDC. Fire everyone. Tear down that inadequate facility and build a new one. Start over. And please, don't use a shortage of money as an excuse. There is plenty of money in Clackamas County. What it lacks is caring.

Something needs to be done about this agency! They lie to the public saying that "they only put down dogs that are sick", but then look at their own statistics (on their own web site). This also begs the question why don't they get any medical attention. There are too many dogs that come in there and are not claimed or adopted. They seem to like pit bulls more and tend to hold them longer for adoption then other dogs (look at their adoption page - MANY pits). Unfortunately for these dogs, people do not want them. One reason this is true is that their homeowners insurance rates will go up significantly if they have dogs deemed vicious.

Unfortunately, they will not hire "bleeding hearts" at any shelter. The employees at shelters have hardened themselves to animal cruelty and the killing of innocent dogs. Animals are thought of as disposable things. They would not be able to live with themselves if they REALLY cared about these animals.

Is it really any surprise that they would try to protect themselves? They are well versed in lying to the public and have been doing so for years. In addition to putting dogs out in the sun, the only area of the shelter that has air conditioning is the OFFICE! Dogs have fur coats (HELLO). They need the A/C more than the employees!

This was not a 4th of July issue with this dog getting loose. However, pet owners need to be responsible and keep their pets in or securely contained at ALL times. This is for their pets own safety. The dogs always pay the price. Microchipping your pet is the best way to protect him/her. AND SPAY or NEUTER your dogs and cats! Large dogs have HUGH litters of puppies and people do not have the space and time for them. Also, if you find a dog in Clackamas County do EVERYTHING can do to NOT take the dog to CCDS. Post the dog on their site and place a free ad in the Oregonian. If no one claims it, contact a local rescue group to find a home for it.

I have heard from someone that went to CCDS to claim their dog and had to wait for 1/2 hour or more because no one would come to their door. Clackamas County has the funds. It is all in the way they CHOOSE to use that money. Again, the animal are the ones that suffer. They are trying to pawn the job off to FIDO in the future. They will help to fund FIDO at least in the beginning. BUT FIDO was also started by Mike Moises who is the director over the current dog control, which means that probably not much will change for the animals. The primary change will probably be his salary. The cost of adoptions will rise significantly. (Compare Oregon Humane Society adoption fees (up to $500) with adoption fees charged at county shelters.)

The voters have a chose this fall to eliminate one of the major problems with dog services, which is Larry Sowa. Larry Sowa is a vet and also a breeder in Clackamas County. He has been a party to protecting breeders, at the expense of the animals, for years. It is time to say "good-bye" to him now.

I agree with CC resident who says they protect their own. I remember reading a story a few years back about a Clackamas County Dog Control Officer who was arrested on drug charges. Apparently it was not her first offense as she had several to many priors on her record. If I'm not mistaken her usage was not always confined to her off duty hours. I went into the shelter about 2 years later to re-license my dog and was surprised to see she was still employed by the shelter. She was no longer a field officer but was told her new duties sent her out to private homes to do inspections for adoptions. Looks like she was never held accountable for her actions only moved around within the system. A thorough investigation and house cleaning should be a top priority for this agency starting at the top and working down to the bottom.

Maybe, JUST maybe, people should have the full story? I am not an employee of Clackamas. I AM however, part of a rescue group that helps them place their dogs. I HAVE spent many hours in their shelter and with their staff so I know the level of care the dogs recieve. Is it a perfect environment for someones injured and beloved pet? Of course not..they are the people who end up taking care of someone elses responsibility once those owners have miserably failed their dogs. But aside from the personal level..lets hear a few facts, eh? For those moaning and groaning..and whining..why don't you find out what the actual records state?

Fact#1..the shelter is CLOSED on Sundays. The staff is there just to care for the dogs. They do not even arrive until 9 and do not start the kennel cleaning and feeding until closer to 10. There were NO notes on the intake form for this dog that A. there were owners or B. that he was potentially injured. And yes..he WAS potentially injured..the 911 call states as much. But the impounding officer made NO note of it.

Fact#2..regular shelter staff does not have the authority to simply act upon a stray dog. There is this lovely thing called red tape. Steps that must be taken. It was a Sunday. Believe it or not..some people are hard to reach on Sunday mornings.

Fact#3..there was a staff worker sitting on the ground, outside with said dog, checking on Cody while they awaited approval to take the dog to the vet. The outside dog run was completely shaded. The staff was doing everything within their power to keep the dog comfortable. It's crazy how it works within government agencies. Employees cannot simply choose to use goverment funds however and whenever they want to.

As for any other accusations aimed at this shelter and its staff..please know your facts. You all sound like a bunch of ticked off pet owners but you are ticked off at the wrong people. Does this staff care about the dogs facing euthinazia there? Maybe you should ask the rescues and other shelters they badger, beg, cajole, barter and do everything within their power to get dogs out that are out of time. You have an issue with dogs being euthinized? why don't you get off your asses and go volunteer to foster for them. They provide vetting and food..you provide a home and love..more dogs get more time. Do dogs get put to sleep there? Of COURSE they do...the shelter is built to house a certain number of dogs..if a dog has been sitting there for 3 months (and yes..they often hold them that long when able) and has had no one offer to take them in, and they are over their limit..what would you suggest they do? Take them all home? They do that as well whenever able. Believe it or not, people are nOT knocking down their doors to adopt the many elderly, neglected, abandoned dogs awaiting there. The shame is on the owners whose pets have ended up there.

Please..if you all think you can do better..PLEASE open shelters of your own and get involved. Quit telling rescues how to get things done from your living rooms. You have NO flipping idea.

Has anyone making these nasty comments about CC listened to the taped exchange between the West Linn officer who picked up the dog and the PD office? The dog was found bleeding from the pads on his feet and it was discussed whether or not to take the dog in for medical treatment. Although the dog was clearly in need of treatment, they decided he would be OK until Monday and took him to the shelter, even though it was closed an no one would be there. The officer left NO indication on the impound note that there was any medical issues at all with the dog. SO - the dog is locked in a garage (is it ventilated?), escaped, has been running, is bleeding, he is taken to a closed shelter, no note is left, the dog is not microchipped (or the owner would have been called immediately)and yet the shelter is to blame? I can't believe he could die from heatstroke by 9:45 AM when they got to him - it just isn't hot enough by then. Since the owner refused to allow an autopsy, I guess we will never know for sure. As for the rest of your comments about the shelter, I would like to see any of you do what they do day in and day out, even for one day. They are constantly full of discarded and abandoned pets, animals the owners refuse to come in to pick up, most of them haven't been altered so they keep making more unwanted pets. Statistically, only about 1 in 9 ever make it out of ANY shelter in the US. Why? Because there are not enough homes for them and because of irresponsible people who make the shelters be the fall guy. Want to make a real difference? Get off your computer and help!

When was the last time any of you managed a facility built for 35 dogs that routinely has to hold double the capacity it was built for? The last time you cared for 70+ dogs in an overcrowded facility, got paid minimum wage, and than got to deal with people telling you they could do it better when all was said and done? And then told you that you are a monster for euthanizing the dogs who weren't adopted out? Tell me...what would YOU do with all of those dogs that nobody (including their owners, by the way) wants? Just warehouse them for all eternity, so they are miserable, unsocialized, and under exercised? While the number of warehoused dogs grows by the day, due to irresponsible ownership and breeding? Keep in mind that the facility is almost constantly at double capacity because, contrary to popular belief, the workers and director (who is female, by the way, to the person who supposedly talked to a male director) do everything they can to avoid putting dogs down. Unfortunately, nobody wants them...it is in the dogs best interest to let them go after a certain period of time...NO dog is happy in a shelter environment...they need homes, and again...there just aren't nearly enough. By the way, where would the money come from that is supposed to re-build this shelter? Are YOU going to pay for it? Whether you would like to admit it or not, this shelter just like almost EVERY public shelter in our nation is severely underfunded. And no, that's not an excuse for improper treatment, it's just a fact, plain and simple. Perhaps they should contact the HSUS which stole millions from the general public during Hurricane Katrina.

And actually, it WAS a matter of ID. Were Cody wearing ANY form of ID, the person who found him could have returned him home. Instead, the police became involved and left Cody at the shelter while they were closed. I don't have all of the answers. A puppy should not have died while at a shelter, but what the article FAILS to mention is that he was severely injured upon arrival, which is what the folks who originally found him called the police for. His paws were severely damaged, probably from running at large, perhaps cutting himself on something in the process, and it is also pretty likely he was hit by a car. He was cut down to the bone, but rather than take him to a vet, the police took him to the shelter while it was closed. They also did NOT report that he was injured on the intake paperwork. The shelter workers placed Cody in an outdoor shaded run with extra water and then began to try and figure out what was wrong with him, while they opened the shelter and cared for the other dogs at the facility. A dog does NOT die from heat exhuastion in 90 degree weather in an hour. It just doesn't happen, especially not to a supposedly "healthy" (but in fact severely injured, not that the shelter was made aware) pup with access to shade and water.

Use common sense folks. I know it's easier to go off on a tirade and blame the shelter, but refrain from doing so. The media is a business...it makes money by reporting sensationalist news. If they reported the truth we would all be bored and nobody would watch the evening news or buy the papers, sadly. THAT is why they put such a spin on nearly every story, and that is why this story has such an awful spin.

As for me, I've worked to rescue dogs from this shelter on several occasions, and can say that I can't think of a single shelter that operates BETTER than CCDS, whose shelter workers care more than these folks, and whose director is actually focused on dogs.

One thing that people need to be aware of, the factual cause of death for this pup is unknown. It is ASSUMED that the cause of death was heatstroke, based on what the vets were told and how the dog was presented. The dog could also have easily died from internal injuries or poison from its time on the loose. 911 calls indicate the dog was bleeding. The owners REFUSED an autopsy.

I would also like to add that when the dog was dropped off by a Linn County PO, it was with the idea that Cody would be ok until Monday, as they knew the shelter was closed on Sunday.

My rescue has taken in approximately 40 Clackamas dogs in the last two years. Some of which the shelter director drove the three hours, on her day off, to get them to our rescue. Sounds like a truly uncaring soul. The dogs are always clean and vaccinated and as often as funding allows, altered. The shelter seldom charges rescues for shelter pulls despite what is put into the dogs. The shelter director begs continuously, as does the staff, not to mention the volunteers, for people and rescues to take the dogs.

I am PROUD to work with such an "uncaring" staff. They have been nothing but helpful and accomidating. The dogs have always been well assessed and cared for. There are two Oregon shelters I flatly refuse to work with because on two seperate occasions, dogs I had made arrangements for and had contact with the shelter to put rescue holds on, were euthinized while my driver was en route to pick up the dogs. Talk about incompetence.

Ahh, it seems CCDC has rallied the rah rah squad to defend their honor. I too am a "private rescuer" and I have worked with CCDC over the years. Sloppy, incompetent, quick to the cover-up, slow to the rescue. That's the CCDC I know.

A response to Violet and Dog Lover/Rescuer -
Oh my - timing really is everything! And I would like to say that your timing is truly amazing.
Although you claim to have no connection to Clackamas County Dog Control I find the timing of your postings to be quite interesting. It just so happens that I had personally spoken with Mike Moises - who is SUPPOSE to oversee CC Dog Control and who is currently trying to replace the agency with his own personal pet project - FIDO "Friends Involved in Dog Outreach" - less than two hours BEFORE your comments appeared on this site. He was not even aware Indymedia existed until I provided him with the website address. Your claims and statements are almost identical to what he told me during our conversation. You seem to have a lot of "information" and access to information for just a couple of "voluenteers" How do you know what the 911 tapes contained - were they made public? Yes - let's continue to blame the West Linn cop - or Cody's guardians or even Dove Lewis themselves but whatever you do DON'T point the finger towards the shelter - its staff - the managment or the commissioners. Be good little soldiers - circle your wagons and protect and shield them from accepting any of the responsibility surroundind Cody's death. I am quite certain that Mike Moises - once he himself read this story on Indy - called up a few of his FIDO supporters and asked them to comment - maybe he even told them what to say. Mike - you and your staff need to step up to the plate and admit that Clackamas County Dog Control is liable for the death of a 14 month old puppy. Unless you acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them then you will continue to make them. Furthermore - Mike - I have lost ALL confidence that you or FIDO will be able to improve the conditions at the shelter. That is a sad statement to have to make because Clackamas County Dog Control is in dire straits and the animals are the ones who suffer. Shame on you.

This is Animal Neglect on the part of Clackamas County Dog Services. Don't let them get away with the killing of an innocent dog. Call all of the people who are involved with this coverup and voice your opinion. To those who support such conduct on the part of CCDS you are heartless and uncompassionate people. How dare you call yourself rescuers? You give the true rescue groups a bad name. Make those phone calls NOW!
Mike Moises 503 353 4338
Diane Hallmark 503 655 8628
CCDS Kennel 503 722 6519
County Commissioners 503 655 8581
Bill Kennemer
Martha Schrader
Jon Mantay
Larry Sowa

I was in the shelter last week, after the incident with the dog happened. The inmate who was working there told us the story (I hadn't heard yet). They were very upset about the dog and took a dog that had been brought in by animal control to cool off in a wading pool before putting it in a kennel. We found a dog that my mom adopted, but the shelter was full with two dogs to every kennel. Please, if you really care about these animals adopt or find a friend to adopt one of these dogs!!!!!! They need our help. We can't bring back the puppy who died, but we can prevent other animals from suffering any longer than they have to at the hands of a throw away society.

This is an open plea to Daisy and Casey Clark (Cody's Family): I was told you were interested in the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) doing an investigation into the death of Cody. PLEASE, DO NOT HAVE THEM BE IN CHARGE OF THE INVESTIGATION. Not only do they have a working relationship with Clackaman Dog Services (they give OHS dogs to adopt out for them) BUT more importantly Austin Wallace use to be employed by CCDS and his wife (Kristine) STILL IS. Austin Wallace now works for OHS on their INVESTIGATIVE TEAM. This is a total conflict of interest. You will not reach the truth by going through OHS. Please look elsewhere for justice. I have no idea if the Clarks' are aware of this site but I hope anyone who knows them or can get a message to them will pass this on to them ASAP.

Violet did not say she had no connection to Clackamas - she said she didn't work there. And although I didn't say anything, I don't work there, either. We both volunteer for different rescue groups but interact with CCDS on a regular basis. I was there Saturday and picked up 3 dogs, one whose owner knew she was there but refused to pick her up, and delivered them the 125 miles to Violet's rescue for foster care. And while I have spoken to Michael Moises in the past, it has been at least 6 months since the last time I have had any contact with him. I doubt Violet has ever met him. You may not believe this but we are "circling the wagons" because we care and would like the truth to get out there, not because anyone asked us to. The facts are available - they just aren't sensational enough for the media to pick up. I would have no problem pointing the finger at Clackamas IF they are, in fact to blame. I would welcome (as I'm sure they would) an unbiased, independent investigation. Do you think that will happen? If you know anyone qualified to do that, please contact them and ask them to step in instead of trying to point fingers when you cannot possibly know the truth yourself. YES it is tragic that a 14 month old puppy died. It is also tragic that it happens every day in the U.S. It happens to 8-14 MILLION of them every year. I know several ACOs in other shelters across the U.S. that still cry, no matter how many hundreds of animals they have had to put down. I know they give them a treat, scratch their ears, and tell them it is NOT THEIR FAULT they have to die. And if you are not happy about THIS shelter, then do something constructive to improve it instead of blaming everyone else.

I had only heard bits and pieces of this on the news but certainly not the whole story.I must side with those who find this outragous and unacceptable.This Mike character who wants to start his own shelter doesn't seem capable of managing this one,how does he plan on taking on the operation of a newer and larger one.Someone in either government or the private sector has to see this incident is made right.But how do you right an animals's wrongful death?Maybe by puting all involved and those who did nothing to help on unpaid leave for a month while they go through a retraining program.My sympathies are with the dog that was allowed to die.

This whole story is just tragic. :-(

But before people start pointing fingers, ALL of the evidence should be gathered. It sounds like this taped conversation between the police officer and his office will be very important. If you want to blame anyone, blame them.

The police officer knew the dog was injured in some way, radioed in to his office about it, and still chose to drop the dog off at the shelter, WHILE IT WAS CLOSED AND NO ONE WAS THERE. Why did the dog not get veterinary treatment then? As if this wasn't bad enough, he also left no note or anything to say the dog was injured, etc.

The shelter workers come in on Sunday to clean the runs, and they find the dog. The impound sheet says nothing of him being injured, and because the dog has no microchip and no ID, they have no owner to contact.

You mention that the workers found Cody "surrounded by an abundance of diarrhea". Ummmm, have any of you ever worked in a shelter before?? This is NOT an uncommon find. Many, dare I say most, dogs brought into shelters get diarrhea the first day or so they are there. It can be from any number of factors, with stress at the top of the list. Do YOU immediately rush your dog to the vet for diarrhea? I highly doubt it.

Even if the workers wanted to have a vet check the dog over, who would pay for this? Most county animal controls are EXTREMELY under-funded. And just because there is money in the COUNTY, that doesn't mean that any of it trickles down to the SHELTER.

The shelter doesn't have the money to have an emergency vet on staff, or for many vet visits. Anyone that has adopted from a municipal shelter before knows that the dogs are often are not current on shots, adoption fees are low, etc. It depends on the shelter and how much funding it recieves.

Back to Cody. It is tragic that he died, but do we know exactly HOW he died? No, we don't. Cody's owners declined necropsy. If they really thought their dog died because of the shelter's actions, wouldn't they want to confirm the cause of death? Cody could have gotten into poison, been shot by some sicko, been hit by a car, ANY NUMBER of things while he was running around loose. How can you just assume it was the shelter's fault, without any facts to prove this?

For the record, I know nothing of this shelter or the people that work there. But I have volunteered in animal control shelters before, and I KNOW how under-funded they are. I have been screamed at by irrate owners because they are getting charged a fine and boarding fees before their dog is discharged. Why are they mad at me? My town has laws about the boarding fee and ticket amounts. I didn't make those amounts up. There are also rules ("red tape") about when dogs can be discharged, etc. Shelter workers and volunteers follow the rules that the town sets for us. You don't like it? DON'T LET YOUR DOG RUN LOOSE. Then you won't have a problem with your local animal control.

Animal shelters in Oregon, not just this one, need to be exposed to sunlight. The "Rah rah" crowd, as it was so aptly described, will jump in and blindly defend anyone who purports to be working for animals without caring about what can be shown factually. This crowd is the biggest problem in rescue imho. It is the crowd that covered up for the Oregon Humane Society in 1989 when it was caught secretly euthanizing pet cats. Instead of pushing the Oregonian to do some deep investigative work, the rah rah crowd wrote angry letters to the editor DEFENDING the place. In reality, shelters have been in league with animal users and researchers for years and historically have not focused on doing their best by the animals or their owners. Pound seizure, the practice of releasing pound animals-living or dead- for scientific and education purposes is the issue that caused the split between the Humane Society of the United States in 1954. AHA was actively involved in censoring a journalist's writings on the issue. In the 1979s, pounds in southern Oregon hired students to harvest the organs of euthanized dogs. Last year, some one falsely told the Humane Society of the United States that this practice was illegal in Oregon. It isn't; it's discretionary-up to the individual shelters. Big lies like this usually indicate big cover-ups.
It is past time to start demanding accountability!

Let me ask this question one more time. How is it that some of you have been privied to these 911 tapes when the rest of us haven't? I live in Sandy,Oregon and work 2 miles from the shelter. I have never heard them or even knew they existed until reading it here. Yet people all over the country refer to them. Please tell me and others who are not members of this elite circle what they contain and how we can hear them for ourselves.

Me too: I would just like to add to your comments about the care (lack of) that Cody received at CCDC. As reported in the July 28,2006 article in the Oregonian, Dow Hokoana, field supervisor was quoted as saying that with the skeleton crew (2 employees) working Sunday and dozens of dogs in need of attention, her employees weren't in a position to take Cody to a veterinarian. They also thought Cody would die regardless of medical attention. There you have it in print .... THEY ALSO THOUGHT CODY WOULD DIE REGARDLESS OF MEDICAL ATTENTION. These individuals saw Cody as a dying and lost cause. They were not going to waste their time or energy on him. They were not going to attempt to ease his suffering or comfort him in his final moments. Instead, they were going to leave him to die by himself in 90 plus degree temperatures. The kennel attendent, Diane C., and her heartless cohort need to be terminated immediately and brought up on animal neglect and abuse charges. To those so called "rescuers" who support and defend this type of action by uncaring,ignorant government employees, please, do the animals a favor .... get out of the rescue business and leave it to those who have compassion, understanding and respect for all living creatures. ANIMALS HAVE RIGHTS!

Doesn't Molly Jackson still work at MCAS? Doesn't she breed Doxies?
But please, lets try to keep focused on CCDC and the death of Cody.
Multnomah County is another issue altogether and too is in need of a complete overhaul.
Back to Clackamas County. Is everyone aware that they do not take in "owner released" dogs? Yes, I know and I agree, "owners" should not be taking their own dogs into a shelter. If an "owner," for whatever reason, shows up with a dog at CCDC, they are sent to Oregon Humane Society, some 30 miles away. OHS does accept "owner released" animals but you need an appointment to bring in any animal and they require a "donation." Think about it. You have already driven to CCDC with your beloved dog (remember, we know good, responsible, loving guardians don't do this to their companion animals so that is not a topic to even debate here), you are told they will not take him in, you are given directions how to get to OHS (30 miles further down the road), you make the drive only to be refused because you did not previously make an appointment, again, you are sent on your way. Think about it people. How many dog "owners" who have already made up their minds that they don't want this dog is going to go home, call OHS, make an appointment, drive the distance yet again and pay a fee to "get rid of their pet?" More than likely, on their way home from the shelter they are going to dump the dog along the highway or put a "free" ad in the local paper and pass the dog off to the first person who comes along.
That being said, I would like to know why CCDC does not take in "owner released" dogs?
CCDC refer to their agency as Clackamas County Dog Services, will someone please explain to me what "services" they provide?

You asked why CCDS does not take owner releases and I think I know why. They don't have the space. They don't have the staff. They don't have the funds. Their rules and regulations are set by the County - they don't get to make them up or change them. Perhaps the tax-payers/voters can get the rules changed and get the facility enlarged and vote them the funds to take an animal to the Vet every time they suspect a problem (right now they can't without a public outcry that they are wasting taxpayer money). I don't work there but I have been there several times to bring potential adopters. I've seen how hard they work and trust me when I say their offices are every bit as posh as their kennel runs. I've also seen people walk in and expect them to take their "problem" off their hands. By and large, these are not the dogs whose owners are sorry and have a legitimate reason for the surrender (going into a nursing home, the owner died, moving out of the country, lost their home and are living in their car). Those people turn to rescue groups that have the volunteers who will do the best they can for their dog. The vast majority of people who walk into a shelter just want to "get rid of" the dog. Some even leave them tied up outside in the middle of the night (even sick, injured and pregnant dogs). If anyone doubts this, please go out there during their normal business hours and take a look. Count the dogs (they are built to hold 35. They are usually double that). Watch the staff do their job. And if you know of ANY way to change the situation, I would love to hear it!

And while I'm here, I would like to ask a question. It is a sincere question and I would love some sincere answers. For those of you on here who have been critical of CCDS, can you tell me what your reaction would have been if Cody had been a pitbull? Would you still be outraged? Because I work in pitbull rescue and I have to tell you, we never see a public outcry over one more dead pit.

I've seen a lot of discussion about the 911 tape. If anyone wants to know what is on it, they should be able to make a public records request to the Lake Oswego Police Dept. (they dispatch for West Linn). I doubt the media will ask for it but maybe someone on here will.

The Multnomah Animal Control Citizens Advisory Commission was disbanded in 2000 and has not been reconstituted yet, although citizens have expressed interest in serving on it. It is interesting how NAIA controlled the commission in its former incarnation; it is interesting how Patti Strand served on the task force convened in 1999, but wasn't able to sway the direction recommeded because of the diligent work of the Chair, veterinarian Robert Murtaugh, who has since left Oregon. It is interesting how MCAS is reportedly sitting on 3 million bucks to move forward, but isn't. Like in Clackamas County, this is more about will than lack of funds. If shelter employees really care as much about animals as they say they do, perhaps it is time they join together with reformers to demand change.