Thank you for your comments. --------- First let us address: “While we cannot comment on the specifics of this case, as it is pending in the Oregon Court of Appeals, MCAS has a long-standing, nationally recognized record as a leader in healthy and humane treatment of animals.” --- Deborah Kafoury -------- This case is pending in the Court of Appeals precisely because you, Ms Kafoury, and the Multnomah County Commission, at the cost of thousands of county tax payers dollars, common sense and compassion, have adamantly refused practical effective humane solutions that both spare Chucky’s life and protect the public: a good fence and secure kennel would do. It is known that instead of helping vulnerable populations, MCAS exploits poverty and forces surrender. With your obvious support, MCAS is running the clock out on Chucky’s life. Second, far from being a leader in healthy humane treatment of animals MCAS has a documented very poor animal care record. You should have reread the County Auditor’s report about MCAS that was presented to you in February, 2016. That report confirms all that is stated in the petition and belies all that you claim. MCAS is not a “leader in healthy and humane treatment” of the animals in its care. As the County Auditor concluded after a 5-month study, MCAS’ practice of denying enrichment “puts the animals at risk for behavioral and physical health problems that also affect their adoptability.” Nothing has changed since that report. MCAS records in 2017 document that the animals’ stress continues unrelieved. Dogs who enter the shelter “healthy” still have their fates determined by tests administered while they are distressed by shelter conditions , labeled as “unhealthy/untreatable,” and killed. It happens every day. A recent example follows: BB, pictured , a 5 year old black and brown family pit bull began “protective custody” at MCAS on June 23, 2017 when her family(the mother and children) were forced to flee domestic abuse. They hoped to get her back but she was killed on August 09. 2017 as “Unhealthy/Untreatable” after just six weeks in MCAS’s care. That false label was meant to sanitize her killing, was entirely at odds with the history recorded by the agency. Owner surrender notes: “Dog lived with female owner and her 4 kids- male 5 years old, and 3 teenage daughters…Dog barks for attention and is good with men, women, teens and children. Dog has been in home with adult male abuser and protects family by barking, growling, showing teeth, and placing herself between adult female and male. Dog tolerates unfamiliar people – when first introduced will bark. No bite history. lived with male neutered shep/husky mix, and 2 female intact cats. Dog is friendly with familiar and unfamiliar dogs and cats., Dog is a family dog and house trained…Dog knows sit. Down, stay, come, potty outside and nummies (treats). Dog plays gentle likes to fetch, tug war, and kongs. Dog is scared of being alone. ..Kids feed dog and can take food from dog but dog cannot be fed near other animals… demands petting and attention.. has separation anxieties.. Allows all vet handling ….” There are hundreds of similar cases—animals who needed nothing other than care and adoption or placement in foster homes. With a new management, creating thoughtful and progressive care plans , MCAS could truly earn national recognition. An empathic Commission could turn this agency around. Gail O’Connell-Babcock, PhD Citizens for Humane Animal Legislation/Watchdog