Crime Lab Design – HERA’s forensic brand – in partnership with Scott Edwards Architecture, was selected to design a 5,000 SF new Animal Crime Forensics Center as part of an expansion of the Oregon Humane Society in Portland, OR.
This accredited veterinary forensics lab will allow the Humane Society to help with criminal investigations of animal cruelty. It is one of just two veterinary forensics facilities in the country. OHS conducts hundreds of forensic examinations and necropsies every year, and the new center will allow for post mortem analysis. Vets will use the center for gross exam/necropsy, live animal exams and triage and evidence handling and storage. Oregon State University School of Veterinary Medicine also will have access to the diagnostic equipment and laboratory facilities.
The OHS Humane Officers also will teach and in the space, as well as have their offices. Oregon State Police commissions the officers to enforce animal cruelty laws. OHS hopes the expansion will allow them to process large-scale crime cases and to treat and shelter the victims.
Crime Lab Design will provide programming, planning, design and equipment planning for the new veterinary forensics center. The center will primarily serve the Rescue Center, Community Hospital, Behavior and Training Department and the Existing Shelter at the OHS.
Founded in 1868, the Oregon Humane Society finds homes for more than 11,000 pets each year. The current facility consists of a 46,000 SF animal shelter, veterinary hospital and behavior facility.