DEMAND accountability for animal welfare at Multnomah County Animal Shelter

The Issue

We, the concerned citizens of Multnomah County, (Portland, Gresham, Troutdale) Oregon, hereby demand the immediate removal of Andrew Mathias, Marian Cannell and Erin Grahek from their positions as directors at Multnomah County Animal Shelter located in Troutdale OR. The consistent neglect, mistreatment, and even murder of innocent non-aggressive animals cannot be tolerated any longer.

The sweet 1.5 yr old poodle pictured above is Cloud. He was euthanized on July 8, 2023. Despite several Multnomah County residents offering to foster, adopt and even personally work with Cloud to address any possible behavior issues. Cloud never attacked or harmed any person or animal.
Cloud was first adopted June 28-29 and returned because the resident cat was unhappy. "He loves affection even more than food/treats. Does not bark excessive. Is smart, lacks manners. I think will like grooming. Climbed in my lap three times."
Cloud was adopted a second time July 3-5, barely enough time to adapt to life outside of the shelter - where dogs can go days without leaving their kennel. The incident was described as follows: While out on a walk, a small dog suddenly barked from behind a patio door. Startled - Cloud lunged at the door, his collar came off and he hit the patio window. After that, the landlord would not allow him to stay.
The adopter reported that "He also had some medical issues that were not disclosed. He does not put weight on his left back leg when standing still and his mouth seems slightly inflamed."
Injured dogs on leash tend to be more defensive.
At the shelter, Cloud was timid and avoidant. He did not lunge at any dogs or humans.
The adopter even said "...He is a beautiful loving boy, he can sit, lay on command. He is working on 'shake' and 'back'. He loves to cuddle and will lean against you. He loves jumping on my bed and snuggling his face right against mine. When he needs to go outside he tends to give you his paw... I really think Cloud needs someone with expertise in both large dogs and rescues. He seems to have been abused. He startles at quick movement and cowers from the broom and the dustpan... we hope that he will find a wonderful forever home and we are broken hearted that it will not be with us."
A volunteer was so concerned with the shelters decision to euthanize Cloud that she made a social media posting on 07/07/2023 calling on residents in the area to help save Clouds life, he was scheduled to be euthanized the next morning. Many residents were calling, emailing and texting Andrew Mathias and Erin Grahek before the shelter opened to the public, begging them to not euthanize Cloud. Instead of making the choice to save this sweet boys life, all attempts to save his life were casually dismissed or ignored. When there were many other options on the table, both Erin and Andrew disregarded all of them. This was not an isolated incident. Countless animals have been euthanized with little or no record explaining why. The monthly reports provided by MCAS and posted on their website can not be trusted or relied on. The auditors stated that they found no record of specific animals known to have been euthanized. Not surprisingly the medication logs for euthanasia don’t match the animal records and unfortunately substantial donations by generous citizens have been given under the guise that it is no kill shelter. MULTNOMAH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER IS ANYTHING BUT NO KILL!! It seems they are quite proud of the amount of animals they have euthanized. On their website it states “in 2019 MCAS humanely euthanized 78 more animals then in 2018- and 60 more then the national average.” As if they deserve a prize!

The neglectful actions by Mathias, Cannell and Grahek have resulted in countless innocent lives being subjected to hunger and suffering. We need to hold these directors accountable. No more audits, reports, suggestions. Those things have been done. We MUST DEMAND ACTION! Starting with the removal of the problematic, overpaid and incompetent directors.

We urge you to consider the following facts:

1. Audit Findings: A recent audit conducted by an independent agency has confirmed that donated funds were not appropriately allocated towards animal welfare needs as intended.

2. Reserves vs Actual Spending: The audit further reveals that significant amounts of money meant for animal care have remained untouched in reserved accounts while urgent needs go unmet.

3. Neglected Animals' Condition: Numerous reports from volunteers and witnesses highlight instances where animals were found malnourished or lacking proper medical attention.

4. Lack of Transparency: The shelter's management has failed to keep clear records on rationales for euthanizing 100’s if not 1000,’s of animals.

5. When county auditors followed up with the shelter in 2018 they found most of the most serious issues we’renAndrew even abandoned plans to enact an enrichment program for the animals and it was found there still is no permanent record of interactions with the animals. During the week the shelter was being audited they reported one of the dogs had only been walked once in NINE days!!! TOTALLY
It is evident that Andrew Mathias, Marian Cannell and Erin Grahek are unfit to hold their positions, as their actions have resulted in the unnecessary suffering and death of innocent animals. We demand that immediate action be taken to remove them from their roles and appoint individuals who prioritize animal welfare above personal gain!

By signing this petition, we stand together as a community to ensure justice for these voiceless creatures. We call upon Multnomah County officials to take swift action in addressing this issue and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Together, let us create a safe haven for animals at Multnomah County Animal Shelter where they are treated with compassion, respect, and receive the care they deserve.

TimeIsUp MCAS
Gresham, Oregon Multnomah County