Members of the Metropolitan King County Council will extend the Jan. 31 deadline that directed the county to close its two animal sheltering services. The move will give the new County Executive more time to put a comprehensive regional animal services plan in place.

“It is important that we handle this situation right, not necessarily right now,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague, whose district includes part of Bellevue. “By giving Executive Constantine more time to make this transition, we are doing what is in the best interest of the animals and the organizations involved.”

Last November, the council adopted legislation calling for the end of county animal sheltering services at the Kent and Bellevue centers by Jan. 31 and requiring establishment of full cost recovery contracts with cities for the provision of animal control services by June 30. The council took that action in the wake of four reports — three independent reviews and an audit conducted by the King County Auditor — that showed a persistent pattern of problems in the leadership, organization and operation of King County Animal Care and Control.

Since his election, Constantine has been working with cities that contract with King County for animal control services and private animal rescue organizations on a new and comprehensive animal services plan for the region that includes sheltering, control, and licensing services.

“All of us on the council want to make sure that the animals who need sheltering are treated humanely and have an opportunity to live in a caring home,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who also represents part of Bellevue.

The Bellevue-based Seattle Humane Society, which has been discussing taking over the county’s animal sheltering, said it supports the council’s decision to give Executive Constantine until June 30 to finish a comprehensive regional animal services plan.