| Volunteers camp out to prevent animal shelter shutdown 09/27/2002 By TRICIA MANNING-SMITH, KING 5 News and Associated Press ARLINGTON, Wash. – For two weeks, protesters have maintained a 24-hour vigil to prevent what they believe would be the shutdown of their no-kill animal shelter, forcing more than 70 animals to be moved and be euthanized. What with yips and yowls, aromas of kitty litter and doggy breath and an occasional wee-hours puppy lick on the face, "some nights sleep's not so easy," manager Sue McDaniel said. KING Tuckto is a friendly guy, seeking a home |
"I know I can't save them all, but for the animals here, that we can find good, responsible homes for and know that they're going to be in a safe and happy environment - that's what I got to focus on," said McDaniel. She and her three other volunteer staff fear they would be locked out if they left the Animal Shelter of North County at an industrial area near the airport outside in this Snohomish County town, about 35 miles north of Seattle. She says all they want is to stay open until they can find a new location. The operation was formed after Sheltering Arms, an animal shelter McDaniel also managed, shut down last month in a dispute with municipal officials over finances and euthanization policies. They new group got permission from the City Council to retrieve dog runs, computers and other equipment. Shelter board president Debbie Cusack said the activists believed they would be granted a lease, so they set to cleaning up and making repairs. By last weekend, the shelter was operating again under the new name. KING Dogs awaiting adoption. |
Not so fast, warned municipal administrator Kristin Banfield in a letter issued Monday. She gave the group 24 hours to leave or face arrest for trespassing. "What we have told them is, `You don't have a lease, you don't have a contract, you've opened a facility without authorization from the city,"' Banfield said. There have been no confrontations or arrests, and Banfield said there would be no eviction attempt before a council meeting Oct. 7, when the issue is on the agenda. KING All the animals face an uncertain future. |
Banfield said officials are concerned about liability, adding that the sit-in is "not building very much trust within the city and within the council that these individuals can operate a reputable service." Shelter backers, supported by an insurance agent, say the group has maintained liability insurance coverage. Not all animal lovers in the area support the group. "At this point, they've shot themselves in the foot," said Linda Hunter, director of the Humane Society at HappyPaws Farm, which also has inquired about using the property. The Animal Shelter Of North County is located at 19118 63rd Ave NE, Arlington. Tel: (360) 403-0206 | 