Monday, August 17, 2009

king county council proposes closure of animal shelter

our king county council members--in particular executive kurt triplett--in response to the recent budget deficit, have decided to put animal care and control on the chopping block. while i have sympathy for those tasked with deciding where our funds should and shouldn't go, it is my opinion that the care of our animals is a county mandate and as such should be off limits. This budget is not finalized until September 27th, so we have until then to let them know how we feel about putting hungry animals out on the street.

i've included a copy of the letter i wrote and to whom i sent it. feel free to copy it and sign your name if you don't feel like writing your own. however you choose to show your support for keeping the shelter open will be greatly appreciated.

thanks guys!! :-)

council@kingcounty.gov;
kcexec@kingcounty.gov
opinion@seattletimes.com
editor@thestranger.com
weekday@kuow.org

As a King county resident, I am distressed by the recent decision to close Animal Care and Control. I believe it is an essential function of a compassionate society to care for its animals. By devaluing organizations dedicated to the welfare of companion animals, the council is sending the message to voters that abused and abandoned pets are not worth prioritizing.

There are an estimated 600,000 dogs and cats in KCACC’s service area. Between June 2008 and May 2009, KCACC handled 10,600 animals, and spayed or neutered a combined 3,390 dogs and cats*. Without animal services, where would those animals have gone? Without surgery, how many litters would those animals have produced? By removing the KCACC funding, the potential increase in the stray animal population will create a larger problem than the budget cut would solve in the short term.

We cannot responsibly shift the entire burden of animal rescue to our local private shelters, who are themselves underfunded and overworked. Moreover, private shelters have the option to refuse sanctuary to any given animal; KCACC's open door policy increases the chances of those animals receiving care.


In the past year, animal cruelty prosecutions have increased over 300% with the addition of a dedicated Animal Control Officer working full time to gather evidence and recommend charges to prosecuting attorneys**. By closing the shelter, King county will be shirking its duty to the community to investigate animal abuse cases and enforce cruelty laws.

Council member Dow Constantine said: “We have an absolute obligation to the animals in our shelter to provide humane care, medical treatment, and the best chance to be adopted into a loving home. Nothing less is acceptable.” If we close the shelter, we will be depriving the animals who depend on us that chance.

I urge the council to reconsider their decision. I will encourage my friends and family to express their opinion through their votes as well.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Abbie Deleers. LVT
2149 N 89th Street
Seattle, WA
98103



* KCACC records
** http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/AnimalServices/news/2009/August/07Cruelty.aspx

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