King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson recently introduced three comprehensive measures to address animal control, cruelty and care.

Patterson introduced the legislation in response to tragic incidents of animal cruelty and concerns about the care and treatment of animals in King County animal shelters.

"This comprehensive legislation reflects our county's values about care and treatment of animals, while further engaging the community in how we can more successfully reduce the number of unwanted, mistreated pets," said Patterson.

Her ordinance 2007-0284 would deny animal abusers the issuance or renewal of a pet license for up to four years, or indefinitely if convicted of a felony

It would also calculate euthanasia rates on the basis of the total number of cats and dogs that enter King County Animal Control Shelters, and reduce the rate of animal euthanasia from 50 percent to 15 percent by 2009.

In addition, it would provide for to increase adoptions and participation in the spay/neuter programs. _

"People that abuse animals should not be given the right to own them," Patterson declared.

"If we truly have a no-tolerance policy in King County, we must ensure that we keep innocent animals out of harm's way by denying pet licenses to those who are cruel to defenseless animals."

Her motion 2007-0283 asks county Executive Ron Sims and Animal Services staff, in cooperation with the King County Animal Control and Care Citizen's Advisory Committee, for information for council consideration, including:

Analysis of how King County might implement a "no-kill" policy.

Addition of animal cruelty officers who 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 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.

"It is unacceptable that nearly 50 percent of animals entering our shelters, many of them healthy, are being euthanized," Patterson said.

"Other jurisdictions that have instituted no-kill policies have seen their euthanasia rates plummet to 10 percent by euthanizing only very sick or dangerous animals.

"We must improve our adoption strategies, and increase partnerships with the many rescue and non-profit organizations whose mission is to place animals in loving homes."

And motion 2007-0105 would re-establish the King County Animal Control and Care Citizen's Advisory Committee, which has authority to oversee all issues relating to animal control and care in King County.