Public Appeal Hearings

Multnomah County Ordinance provides that an Animal Services Hearings Officer shall hold a public hearing on any properly filed appeal to Notices of Infraction (NOI), or Potentially Dangerous Animal Classifications.

• How to Appeal a Notice of Infraction (NOI)
• How to Appeal a Potentially Dangerous Dog or Animal Classification

In order to observe social distancing requirements and recommendations from public health officials in response to COVID-19, Public Appeal Hearings are held online. 

Defendants or counsel can provide the names and e-mail addresses of witnesses to appear, or any guests to attend the hearing in support of the defendant to Nicole Hagen (Nicole.Hagen@multco.us), and an invitation to the virtual hearing will be provided by e-mail. 

Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing for your case may result in forfeiture of any right to any further appeal for the related violation or determination.

Hearings are open for public attendance.

Hearing Days & Times

• Public Appeal Hearings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 1 pm

See Upcoming Public Hearings

Rules of Conduct for Public Appeal Hearings

• No recording of the hearing by any unauthorized persons
• Participants and witnesses must remain on mute (if virtual), or silent unless they are testifying, questioning witnesses or answering questions
• Only one person shall speak at a time
• No profanity or abusive behavior will be tolerated
• Inspection of personal items may occur upon entry to the hearings room
• No large bags, backpacks, or purses will be allowed into the hearings room
• No weapons of any kind
• Cell phones must be muted
• No pets are allowed
• The Hearing’s Office reserves the right to remove any individual from the hearing

To submit evidence for hearings

• E-mail photos, documents, or other relevant files to Nicole Hagen at Nicole.Hagen@multco.us 
• Reference the case number in the e-mail subject line and body. 
• Evidence must be submitted by 5 pm on the day before the hearing. All evidence will be distributed by e-mail on the day of the hearing to:
  • The hearings officer
  • The defendant and their legal counsel
  • The county representative