In a unanimous decision, the Arlington City Council voted December 20th to close their animal shelter. PAWS had encouraged the council to close the dilapidated and inadequate facility.

PAWS Companion Animal Advocate Kay Joubert had worked with the city of Arlington since April of 1999. Once it became clear that the council would be unable to secure adequate funding, install proper management, and develop appropriate animal care and customer service procedures, Joubert, encouraged the City of Arlington to close the facility.

The shelter was housed in a 1940s building that was originally built as a storage facility. The facility had no ventilation, no isolation facilities, open fencing between the kennels, and cat cages directly faced dog kennels.

All of the animals were placed prior to the mid-January closing date. PAWS is continuing to work with Arlington and Snohomish County in their joint effort to establish a modern shelter facility that includes a spay/neuter clinic and aggressive adoption program.

Joubert indicates that area residents need to let their local government know that they want an appropriate facility developed in their area. "If you live in Snohomish County, Marysville, Arlington or Stanwood," says Joubert, "please contact your local representative to tell them you support development of a new, progressive regional facility in north Snohomish county."