The Metropolitan King County Council on Monday adopted legislation directing the County Executive to end the provision of animal sheltering services by Jan. 31, 2010, and to end the provision of animal control services to the cities by June 30, 2010, unless new agreements are made that allow the County to recover the full costs of field services.

For some time, revenues from pet licenses and other fees have fallen short of the cost of providing animal care and control services in the amount of approximately $2 million per year.

“We need to do what is in the best interest of these animals,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “This time frame will allow a smooth transfer of the services these animals deserve.”

The motion calls for an end to operation of the county’s animal shelters in the Crossroads area and in Kent by Jan. 31, 2010, with a cooperative transition of animals to one or more new entities that would provide sheltering services.

If the county is to continue providing animal control field services past June 30, 2010, the motion calls for the costs in incorporated areas to be fully reimbursed by the cities contracting for those services, in accordance with previously established county policy requiring full cost recovery on discretionary contractual services. Cities will have the flexibility of commissioning their own animal control officers and using pet license fees to fund the positions.

Thirty-two cities now contract with King County for field services that include response to complaints of vicious animals and bites; investigation of animal cruelty cases; pick up of injured animals, stray dogs and cats, owner-released pets, and deceased animals; and response to barking dog complaints.