Check out the efforts in the Big King County!

Dear Ms. Cornish,

Thank you for your continued concern about animal cruelty. I appreciate
your advocacy on behalf of the health, care, and treatment of animals.

Since early 2006, when two tragic and high-profile incidents of animal
cruelty occurred in King County, the Metropolitan King County Council
has been working to improve animal control, cruelty, and care in King
County. Last year, the Council formally called upon King County Animal
Control to place greater emphasis on investigating animal cruelty cases
and improve enforcement of the county's animal cruelty laws.

To continue this effort, I am pleased to announce that on May 29, 2007,
the Metropolitan King County Council unanimously passed three
comprehensive measures addressing animal control, cruelty, and care, as
follows:



* Changed the King County Code relating to abuse, euthanasia
rates and the King County Animal Control and Care Citizen's Advisory
Committee. Among the changes:

• Prohibit pet ownership by animal abusers for four years, or
indefinitely, depending on the crime.

• Reduce the current 38% rate of animal euthanasia at King County
Animal Control Shelters to 20% by the end of 2008 and to 15% by the end
of 2009.

• Grant more comprehensive and strategic roles to the King County
Animal Control and Care Citizen's Advisory Committee.

For more information on this legislation, Ordinance 15801, please see
the following link; click on documents in the "attachments" window:
http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov/detailreport/?key=7632

* Requested that the King County Executive, King County Animal
Control, and the Animal Control and Care Citizen's Advisory Committee,
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.

• For more information on this legislation, Motion 12521, please see the
following link; click on documents in the "attachments" window:
http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov/detailreport/?key=7631

*Accepted a report submitted by the King 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.

For more information on this legislation, Motion 12520, please see the
following link; click on documents in the "attachments" window:
http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov/detailreport/?key=7377

I was happy to sponsor and vote in favor of this legislation, continuing
our effort since early last year. It is critical that we take an
in-depth look at how we can improve conditions for abused and abandoned
animals in our community. As you well know, animals are wholly
dependent on humans to advocate for their welfare and humane treatment.
Our continuing Council involvement sends a strong message that abuses to
our four-legged friends will not be tolerated.

Thanks again for your advocacy and involvement in this important issue.

Sincerely,

Larry Phillips, Councilmember
Metropolitan King County Council, District Four
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue, Room 1200
Seattle, WA 98104-3272
206.296.1004
larry.phillips@metrokc.gov

For more information: www.metrokc.gov/phillips

To sign up for my eNews:
http://www.metrokc.gov/phillips/newsletters.htm