Decision time approaches on County animal shelters

During the first three months of 2008, the King County Council will closely examine our animal shelter system to help us make an important, binding decision. Should King County stay in the shelter business? Or, should that role be left to others in the community who have proven able to provide high-quality, humane care?

Last September, the King County Animal Care and Control Citizens Advisory Committee issued a shocking report outlining many deficiencies in County-run animal shelters. The Council’s immediate response was to ensure funding for critical facility upgrades and that necessary improvements were made in the provision of medical care, nutrition, and socialization.

But, we also requested more information to help determine the shelter's future course. We instructed the County auditor to evaluate the purpose, effectiveness, and cost of King County’s animal licensing programs and its provision of services to contract cities. And we authorized a study by author and “no-kill” shelter expert Nathan Winograd evaluating the feasibility and cost of upgrading our shelter to a model program. Under “no-kill” shelter policy, only animals with untreatable medical or behavioral problems are euthanized.

These documents will be ready in mid-March and the Council will use this information to determine whether our shelters can be brought up to the standards we expect, or should be closed to allow other organizations to more humanely fill this role. My hope is that, once a decision is made on sheltering, we can next focus on animal cruelty issues.

This Council’s continued examination of animal control and shelter issues must reflect this basic belief: We have an absolute obligation to the animals to provide humane care, medical treatment, and food and shelter. And we must do everything in our power to give them a chance to be reunited with their families or placed in safe and loving homes. Nothing less is acceptable.

New role as Committee of the Whole chair

In 2008, I will chair the King County Council Committee of the Whole. It is the only Council committee that includes all nine Council members. During its Monday morning meetings, the Committee of the Whole reviews the toughest issues we face as an elected body.

I will also serve as the Council’s vice chair for policy during 2008.

Transportation work continues in the new year

I have been appointed as chair of the King County Council’s Transportation Committee—continuing my service both on that committee and on the Sound Transit Board.

The coming year will present many challenges. As transportation chair, I will lead the regional effort to replace the South Park Bridge and push for innovative solutions to our region’s transportation problems. Your help is appreciated on these and any other King County government topics—feel free to contact my office at any time at (206) 296-1008 or dow.constantine@kingcounty.gov.