Why This Matters

In 2023, after an egregious, heartbreaking felony animal cruelty case on North Whidbey involving the starvation of multiple animals, over 500 members of our community rallied together. Through an intense grassroots effort, we successfully petitioned Island County to hire two full-time Animal Control Officers (ACOs). For a brief moment, our pets, livestock, and families had the protection they deserved.

Today, that protection is gone. A few months ago, our experienced ACO on Camano Island resigned. While the county initially posted the job opening to replace him, the position has since been completely removed from the Island County website. Due to sudden budgetary issues, the county has implemented a quiet hiring freeze on this vital public safety role.

The Current Crisis: One Officer for 200 Square Miles
Right now, a single officer—Tammy Esparza—is tasked with covering over 200 square miles spanning both Whidbey and Camano Islands. This is an impossible, dangerous task. According to research from the National Animal Control Association (NACA) presented by WAIF Executive Director Cinnamon Hudkins, a territory of this size strictly requires at least two full-time ACOs just to meet basic safety standards.

Currently, our community is only staying ahead of the lost dog situation, because volunteers from Bring ‘Em Home Whidbey (BTHW) have stepped up to do the job of a full-time staff member—buying their own live traps and hunting for lost pets. But community volunteers cannot enforce the law.

ACOs Fight Animal Cruelty AND Human Abuse

Modern Animal Control Officers are not just "dog catchers". They are dedicated law enforcement professionals handling serious animal cruelty felonies.

Crucially, they are our first line of defense in THE LINK between animal abuse and human violence. As forensic veterinarian Dr. Donna DeBonis points out, animal cruelty directly intersects with child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence. Furthermore, data shows that animal abusers are three times more likely to commit other serious, violent criminal activities. Leaving our islands with only one officer puts our entire community—animals and people alike—at risk.

The Funding is There: No More Budget Excuses
The county claims budgetary constraints are holding them back, but the solution is staring them right in the face. By properly enforcing dog licensing and kennel licensing across our population of 86,000 residents, Island County could easily generate the revenue needed to fund these positions. Revenue from thousands of local pets is being left on the table.

Our Demand
We, the residents and animal advocates of Island County, demand that the Board of Commissioners immediately unfreeze and fund the vacant Animal Control Officer position. We must have at least two full-time officers to safely police our islands.

Sign this petition to tell the Commissioners:  Do not balance the budget at the expense of our community's safety. Refill the vacant ACO position now!