The town of Seattle has prolonged its remark interval for the One Seattle Complete Plan via 5 p.m. Monday. This supplies a possibility to spotlight a obvious omission within the plan: animals.
Individuals carry their animals with them. Because the human inhabitants in Seattle will increase by the 1000’s, so will the variety of canine, cats and different companion animals. Is Seattle ready for these elevated numbers and associated points? Most likely not — Seattle has lengthy uncared for animal companies. Sadly, the picture of a pet-friendly metropolis doesn’t match the fact.
By my calculations from the Metropolis of Seattle Open Knowledge portal, the Seattle Animal Shelter has round 25 area and animal-care officers for the whole metropolis, and a major quantity of field-officer time is spent simply patrolling parks. Off-leash areas are briefly provide, resulting in tensions between park customers. Seattle Municipal Code Title 9 desperately wants updating. Intersections with social points akin to homelessness and home violence have to be addressed. The plan has no point out of the burden of pet charges on leases nor the wants for low-cost vet care, pet-food banks and spay-neuter companies, demand for which is able to improve.
The animals are coming. Let’s be ready.
Patrick Hennessey, Seattle
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