Thank you AAS and No Kill BC for helping promote the cause of saving unwanted animal lives. I have written several research papers on the no-kill movement for my Humane Leadership Degree and wanted to pass on that the good news is spreading far and wide on the Westcoast; King County just passed "no-kill" legislation in May. King County in Washington, which incompasses Seattle has more than 1.8 million people, it also ranks as the 13th most populous county in the nation.
Here is the announcement on the Metropolitan King County Council Website:
WORKING TO IMPROVE ANIMAL WELFARE
On May 29th the King County Council passed my legislation to improve animal welfare in King County.
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 down to 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.
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For more information on the history of this legislation see:
No Kill Advocacy Center
http://www.nokillsolutions.com/whatsnew.htm
and
Coalition for a No Kill King County
http://www.nokillkingcounty.org/