Recently, our neighborhood faced a concerning situation with two aggressive dogs that prevented residents from going outside. The situation escalated to the point where the animal control officer responding to the call was bitten. Alarmingly, she had to wait for assistance from another officer located in north county. This delay put not only the neighborhood's safety at risk but also endangered the animal control officer's well-being.

Regional Animal Services of King County is severely understaffed and underfunded. The volunteers and staff are dedicated, but the conditions they work under are dire. They operate out of a dilapidated 1950’s era dairy barn, which is entirely inadequate for their needs. The facility lacks proper ventilation, a sufficient HVAC system, has severe water issues, and the parking lot is filled with craters. Moreover, it is not ADA-friendly and has been sanctioned by the health department. This setting fails to serve the animals, volunteers, and staff properly and misrepresents the compassionate and caring community of King County.

Currently, there are days when a single animal control officer is responsible for the entire county, which is untenable and unsafe for both the officers and the community. Meanwhile, King County channels tens of millions of dollars into addressing homelessness, with much of it being mismanaged without accountability. By contrast, the shelter and animal control services not only ensure public safety but also care for homeless animals who lack a voice or choice in their circumstances.

It is crucial to advocate for improved facilities and increased funding for the Regional Animal Services of King County. This change will support the staff and animals by providing a safe and suitable environment that reflects the dedication and care they deserve. By upgrading the infrastructure and resources, King County can ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and the countless animals who rely on these services every day.

Join me in urging our county officials to prioritize these essential services and make the necessary changes. Sign this petition to support a safer, more compassionate, and better-equipped animal services department in King County.