In response to tragic incidents of animal cruelty and concerns about the care and treatment of animals in King County Animal Shelters, the Metropolitan King County Council today adopted three comprehensive measures addressing animal control, cruelty and care in King County.

“This comprehensive legislation reflects our County’s values about care and treatment of animals, while further engaging the community to more successfully reduce the number of unwanted, mistreated pets,” said Council Vice-Chair Julia Patterson, prime sponsor of the legislation. “By engaging citizens and representatives from animal organizations, King County can become a leader in how we care for animals, how we punish animal abusers, and how we ensure that every healthy animal has the opportunity to become part of a happy, loving family.”

“Animals are wholly dependent on humans to advocate for their welfare and humane treatment,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “In light of recent high profile animal cruelty cases and the public’s impassioned response, it’s time to take an in-depth look at how we can improve conditions for abused and abandoned domestic animals in King County.”

“King County needs to take animal abuse seriously,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “Legislation to strengthen animal cruelty laws and protect animals in shelters is overdue and I am pleased to support it.”

Ordinance 2007-0284 makes changes to the King County Code relating to abuse, euthanasia rates and the King County Animal Control and Care Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Among the changes are:

• Prohibiting pet ownership by animal abusers for up to four years if found in violation of county animal cruelty ordinances or if convicted of a misdemeanor; or indefinitely if convicted of a felony.
  

• Calculating euthanasia rates based on the total number of cats and dogs that enter King County Animal Control Shelters, and reduce the rate of animal euthanasia from 38 percent down to 20 percent by the end of 2008 and 15 percent by the end of 2009.
  

• Granting more comprehensive and strategic roles to the King County Animal Control and Care Citizen’s Advisory Committee, including:

• Exploring strategies and providing recommendations on the prevention of animal cruelty, the humane care and welfare of animals in King County shelters, the reduction of euthanasia, development of a no-kill shelter policy, and ways to increase adoptions and participation in the spay/neuter programs.

• Making recommendations on performance measures, facilities and capital improvements, and organizational structure

• Providing guidance on the development of an education campaign and outreach efforts.

Motion 2007-0283 requests the Executive and Animal Services staff, in cooperation with the King County Animal Control and Care Citizen’s Advisory Committee, to provide the following information for the Council’s consideration and action:

• Analysis of how King County might implement a “no-kill” policy.

• Recommendations on the benefits of adding dedicated officers to oversee animal cruelty investigations and work directly with prosecutors to ensure that animal abusers are tried and sentenced.

• Recommendations for an animal bill of rights to set standards of care in King County Animal Shelters.

• Recommendations for strengthening community relations through partnerships with individuals, volunteers, rescue groups, and non-profit organizations.

• Recommendations for increasing marketing of adoptable animals and spay/neuter programs using community partners and local media.

• Development of performance measures that address standards of animal care, adoption and euthanasia rates.

Motion 2007-0105 accepts a report submitted by the County Executive regarding the enforcement of animal cruelty laws and requesting new strategies for preventing and prosecuting animal abusers. The Council will consider options presented and take action.

Appointments to the King County Animal Control and Care Citizen’s Advisory Committee will be heard and confirmed by the Council. The appointments will re-establish the committee that oversees all issues relating to animal control and care in King County . This committee has not operated as a body in three years, but in the past has provided valuable recommendations to King County Animal Control and its partners in the community.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system and type in “ 2007-0283, ” “2007-0284” and “2007-0105”