I have been a foster parent and volunteer with King County Animal Services for the past three years. I am regularly in the shelter, both in the ISO unit and kennel areas. I have never seen any animal go without water, food or medication. All the animals are fed and medicated twice daily. The shelter staff members are very hard working, and do all they can to help the animals find loving homes.

My experiences over the last three years are very different from those described in Mr. Winograd’s report. When I attended his presentation to the County Council on March 17, I was — and still am — very confused as to how he came to his conclusions. I invite the public to visit the shelters before they form their opinions.

The shelter needs a lot of work, and has been ignored by King County for years. I’m glad the King County Council was shocked and appalled — maybe now the officers and vet staff will be given the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.

The citizens and taxpayers of King County should be outraged. Call, write and e-mail your county representatives. Attend the town hall meeting in Burien on April 14. Volunteer at the shelter; if you have an hour a week, it makes a difference. Foster a dog or cat. Encourage friends to adopt a pet from KCAC. And most important, spay and neuter your animals!

-Rita Bout

Isssaquah