Following what Police Chief James Graddon calls "a horrific dog-biting incident" SeaTac lawmakers have approved a contract for enhanced animal control services.

Under the plan approved by SeaTac lawmakers Jan. 27, SeaTac and Tukwila would share a full-time animal control officer in addition to regular services offered by King County Animal Control. Each city would be guaranteed 20 hours of extra service per week.

The city has budgeted $60,000 yearly for the enhanced service. The agreement still must be worked out with King County Animal Control.

"I want to see an animal control officer in an animal control vehicle patrolling our parks and neighborhoods," Graddon said.

On Sept. 8, Huong Le was attacked in SeaTac by two pit bulls, She endured 10 hours of surgery for severed ears, a crushed arm and other severe wounds. She is recovering.

The dogs were shot and killed by SeaTac police responding to an emergency call.

In April, Angle Lake residents complained to council members about dangerous dogs harassing them at Angle Lake Park and in their neighborhood. One woman said some neighbors would not go to their mailbox without taking a gun for protection.

"It's ridiculous when you can't walk in your own neighborhood without fearing dangerous animals," she declared.

At last week's meeting, Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher complained that when he called county animal control about a dog that had bitten someone, he did not receive a call back for three days. An officer never did come out to his home, Fisher added.

SeaTac has an ordinance that requires pit bulls and pit bull mix dogs to be confined to the owner's property or be muzzled when taken off the property.

Since both SeaTac and Tukwila want better animal control service, the partnership "makes a nice marriage," Graddon commented.