Vashon Maury Island Community Council
 
Public Safety Committee
 
August 4, 2006 
 
The meeting convened at 10:00 a.m. in the courtroom of Courthouse Square.
 
In attendance were: 
 
    Walter Washington, Manager of Animal Control for King county
    Sharon Nelson, Dow Constantine's office
    Sergeant Lurry, KC Sheriff's Office
    Mike Kirk, VIFR
    Wendy Braicks, Vashon Parks
    Barbara Drinkwater, President Vashon Island Pet Protectors
    Sharon Danielson, Vashon Horse Association
    Valerie Vigesaa, Dog Obedience Instructor
    Karen Biondo, representing farm animal owners
    Allison Arthur, Beachcomber
    Members of the Vashon Community - 27 signed the attendance sheet
 
After introduction of officials in the gathering, Walter Washington was asked to describe the activities and responsibilities of his office.  He started by telling us that his office deals with domestic animals only.  Wildlife issues such as dead deer in the road should be referred to Fish and Wildlife.  Animal Control is on the Island one day a week to deal with complaints.  With only 8 officers to deal with all of King County, it is not possible to patrol nor to respond to problems such as gs running in the streets .  If we want more service, we culd follow Kirkland's lead and contract animal services on a regular or on demand basis.  The cost is $30 per hour per officer, $60 if a van is furnished by the service.  Since there is no funding source, this would not seem to be an option for us.  Mr. Washington thinks we are going through a time when old timers want a more loose and open policy regarding dogs, and newcomers expect urban type enforcement. After his remarks, Mr. Washington fielded questions and comments for the remainder of the meeting.
Members of the audience raised the following issues:
    1.  Lack of appropriate response to emergency call.  Mr. Washington explained that the routing of calls to 911, whether to Animal Control or to the Sheriff is up to 
the dispatcher. He promised to check into the current protocol followed and see how to sharpen it up.  Sergeant Lurry suggested that the person calling 911 request speaking to the Sheriff on the Island.
    2.  Marauding dogs attacking pets and farm animals.
    3.  Dogs threatening runners, hikers, and those enjoying the parks, with owners uncaring or even belligerent when approached
    4.  Animal Control suggesting shooting the attacking dog.  Members of audience objected to feeling that they had to use guns.
    5.  Neighbors afraid to report dog owners for fear of retaliation. Vashon is such a small community that anonymity is usually impossible.  Anonymous complaints can be made but they are not nearly as likely to end in resulting action.
    6. Laws are unclear.  One audience member had done thorough research and felt that we do have a leash law under 21-A but Mr. Washington didn't agree.  All agreed that the phrasing saying the dog must be under voice command control was too vague to be effective.
    7. It takes two years and numerous complaints before due process can remove a dog from an owner unless there is eminent danger. 
    8.  A doggie day care business with a short fence in the back yard and several dogs often in the fenceless front yard threatening passersby.  Mr. Washington said that as described this is an illegal operation and he will look into it.
    9.  Parks do not have the resources to patrol for dog problems.  Each park has its own specific dog rules.
    10. Not mentioned during the meeting but afterward in conversation was the problem on the Island of dogs in charge of guarding drug operations or stashes. These dogs are usually vicious and have caused neighboring pet deaths and damage in the past before the owners are apprehended.
 
The following are suggestions for what can be done which arose during the meeting:
    1.  Walter Washington promised to write and article for our two newspapers telling people what to do in emergencies,  how to file a complaint, and suggestions for what to do when problems arise.
    2.  Allison Arthur offered to publish instances of complaints against problem dogs with their description and location if supplied that information by Animal Control.  Mr. Washington will look into it.
    3.  People were advised to take a cheap disposable camera with them so they can take pictures of dogs that offend.
    4.  Valerie Vigesaa offered to give a class on how to take defensive measures when accosted by dangerous dogs.  Her offer was accepted with alacrity.
    5.  Pet Protectors could work with the School District to educate children about safety measures regarding dogs.
    6.  Vashoners could push our public officials and representatives to get a clear leash law for the Island.
    7.  Walt Washington offered his personal cell phone number in case Islanders do not get the response they need. 206-205-6306.  his assistant is at 206 - 296-4015.
 
Chairman Hodgson announced that a sub-committee of those who want to work on how the Public Safety Committee can help with the various problems raised, time and place to be announced.  Several volunteered to be on the committee which is open to anyone who wants to help.
 
Conversation continued for some time after the meeting.
 
The next meeting of the Public Safety Committee is scheduled for Friday September 8 at 10:00 a.m. in the courtroom of Courthouse Square.  The topic will be Road and Highway issues.
 
Respectfully submitted by Jennie Hodgson with note taking assistance by Wendy Wharton
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 with conversation continuing for some time.