» What's Really Happening to Dogs and Cats at The King County Animal Shelters?

What's Really Happening to Dogs and Cats at The King County Animal Shelters?

On the 12th of March, I wrote a post complimenting The King County Council and the county animal shelters for the lower euthanasia rate. The next week the wires were burning up with news about the deplorable conditions at these very same animal shelters. All last week the news was abuzz with allegations from Nathan Winograd and responses from King County Council, King County Executive Ron Sims and animal shelter workers. Bloggers and writers were venting their anger about the alleged mistreatment of animals. City Dog Blog had this to say about the situation at the shelters.

The following are all articles from The Seattle Times, which will bring you up to speed. The story broke around the 17th, St. Patrick’s Day. The Times reported the consultant hired to evaluate the county shelter system, Nathan Winograd, from No Kill Advocacy Center of San Clemente, CA, was appalled by the animals’ treatment. His report mention not all the pets available for adoption were being seen by the public, there was a lack of food and water, and a high incidence of illness.

The second Times story continued with the same news. The story mentioned a meeting in Burien on April 14th to evaluate the animal shelters.

The third story has Ron Sims defending the commitment of the county and the shelter workers to the dogs and cats. He states his commitment to improving procedures and replacing the 32 year old Kent animal shelter.

The story is ongoing. Issues regarding animal welfare need to be sorted out and dealt with as quickly as possible to save more of the dogs and cats and ensure they are adopted.

No related posts.

jennifer

hi there,

i encourage you to visit the following blog: http://kcascreatures.blogspot.com, and read it from the beginning. it has been following the shelter situation since november 2007.

afterwards, you may want to ask the king county council what they’re really doing for the abandoned animals of king county…

thanks!
http://www.debrasinick.com Debra Sinick

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks so much for stopping by and giving me the link to the KCAS blog. I did read it and here is the list of suggestions from the blog about what do to to change our programs for abandoned animals:

These key programs include:

“1. Comprehensive adoption programs that operate during weekend and evening hours and include offsite adoption venues
2. Rescue group access to shelter animals
3. Volunteer programs to socialize animals, promote adoptions, and help in the operations of the shelter
4. TNR programs
5. A foster care network for underaged, traumatized, sick, injured or other animals needing refuge
6.Medical and behavioral rehabilitation programs
7. High volume, low-cost public spay/neuter and spay/neuter of animals before adoptions
8. Pet retention programs to solve medical, environmental, or behavioral problems and keep animals with their caring and responsible caregivers
9. A clean shelter, where animals are provided prompt veterinary care, adequate nutrition, shelter, exercise and socialization

Each program should be addressed from the standpoint of saving lives, protecting people, fiscal restraint, and mitigation liability. Examples of other jurisdictions who have successfully implemented such programs, a timetable for change, a mechanism for continued dialog between lifesaving advocates and the shelter, and offers to help should also be included.

Maintain a professional, positive, supportive tone, even if animal control was not receptive in Step One. Some practices may need to be criticized, but be constructive. A well reasoned and written “white paper” that incorporates these elements will serve as the blueprint for change and the basis for a public campaign if animal control does not follow through.”

Posted by catmom_wa
Pingback: More News About King County Washington Animal Shelters « Eastside Real Estate Buzz
Jim Giuntoli

Here are all three links to the ‘ Buddy’ Story:

Copy and Paste these links into your browser address window:

>The Seattle Times:

>http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008015881_dogs25m.html

>KING 5 News: (you may have to register to with KING 5 to view this…)

>http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=257983

>Or try this link:

>http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_062508WAB_kent_dog_euthanized_KS.3c0b5672.html

>KIRO Talk Radio 7:

>http://icestream.bonnint.net/seattle/kiro/2008/06/06272008160634.mp3

Jim & Kim Giuntoli