Vashon Maury Island Community council
Public Safety Committee
March 2, 2007

In attendance: Al Dams, Acting Head, and Sergeant David Morris both from King County Animal Control; Deputy C.L. Masters, King County sheriff’s Office; Assistant Chief Mike Kirk, Vashon Fire and Rescue; Barbara Drinkwater, President, President of Vashon Island Pet Protectors; Beachcomber Editor, Leslie Brown; Jennie Hodgson, Committee Chair and nine other Vashon residents.

The meeting convened at 10:00 in the Courtroom of Courthouse Square.

The sole item on the agenda, problem dogs, was addressed immediately.  Al Dams, Sergeant Morris and Deputy Masters were very helpful in laying out what Islanders should do when they find themselves in situations with problem dogs.  What was emphasized was that each time an incident occurs it should be reported.  For non urgent situations we should call animal control.  For urgent situations dial 911.  Even though it may appear no action was taken, the number of incidents is documented and depending on the level of danger action can be taken as the need becomes apparent.  Deputy Masters and the Animal Control officers told us what they could do and can’t do regarding inforcement.  Some of those present expressed frustration that it is not easier to remove animals that are clearly a menace, but the law considers dogs as property and the County is very restricted in how they can seize property.  The difference in a criminal and a civil case regarding damage from dogs.

The subject of animals and preparedness arose.  Al Dams, Mike Kirk and Islander Tag Gornall, a retired veterinarian, told of planning that would enable to allow evacuees to take their animals with them to a temporary animal gathering area near the human shelter.  Thus the human shelters would not have to deal with the health problems of having animals in the facility, but evacuees could visit their pets and see that they are cared for.

All the leaders agreed that the best preparedness for pets is for their owners to be prepared for themselves and their pets to deal with emergencies for at least three days.

In accordance with recent  federal legislation in order to receive FEMA assistance, a governmental body must plan for animal care during emergencies because of what was learned with Hurricane Katrina.  People died because they wouldn’t evacuate without their pets and rescuers were not allowed to take pets.

A discussion of how to get owners to control their pets developed the prevailing theme of the meeting.  Responsibility.  Owners need to take responsibility for their animal which means among other things that dogs are not put out to roam all day while their owners commute to Seattle or Tacoma, or are put out to roam all night.  Farmers need to responsibly protect their livestock with adequate fencing, sometimes easier said than done but necessary.  And our Animal Control Officers and Sheriffs need to be responsible in understanding their roles and in being conversant with what is effective animal control on rural, unique Vashon Island. 

Next we turned to how best educate Vashoners about their responsibilities.  A pamphlet to go out to all residents, information in our newspapers on a regular basis, spreading the word through the schools, these were among some of the suggestions.  Al Dams promised to be part of the effort.

The meeting dispersed at 11:45 with folks lingering to discuss the issue.  Clearly we will be revisiting this topic.

Respectfully submitted, 
Jennie Hodgson
Chair