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It’s official – after nearly seven years, the city of Liberty Lake and Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services have been reunited.
The vote came last week when the Liberty Lake City Council unanimously approved the reinstatement of SCRAPS as the city’s animal protection agency, replacing a system comprised of the municipal police department, SpokAnimal and a handful of local veterinary offices. The city had contracted with SCRAPS for a year after incorporating in 2001. Mayor Steve Peterson spearheaded a move to break away from the agency at the beginning of 2003.
“I think it’s going to be a good thing,” said Nancy Hill, executive director of SCRAPS. “We’re all around Liberty Lake already in the unincorporated areas.”
Hill said she didn’t anticipate a need for increased staffing or shelter space due to the change. Based on statistics from 2007, the addition of the contract would constitute around 1.5 percent of SCRAPS’ overall workload. In comparison, the city of Spokane Valley represents 47 percent.
“Liberty Lake will be somewhere between Cheney (2.3 percent) and Millwood (1.2 percent),” Hill said.
License fees and kennel costs will increase under the new arrangement with the percentage varying based on the service. Pet owners in Liberty Lake will need to pay for a license within a year of their animals’ most recent renewal.
In 2007, Liberty Lake reported 186 service calls, 58 impounds and 12 investigations, according to reports from the city police department. Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus said the duties of animal protection had put an increasing strain on local law enforcement.
“This is not something we specialize in,” Asmus told the City Council at its Feb. 3 meeting.
Liberty Lake Mayor Wendy Van Orman was one of several city leaders to thank the police department for their work, but, like others, acknowledged the need to recruit help from SCRAPS.
“The police department has done a great job, but it’s time for a change,” Van Orman said.
Hill expressed hope that the shift would be a boon to volunteer and fund-raising efforts at the agency.
“It’s such a great community,” Hill said. “I would like to get the citizens of Liberty Lake involved in what we’re doing.”
The off-leash dog park, located just to the east of Liberty Lake near the Idaho state line, is one area that could use additional support, according to Hill. With seasonal maintenance only provided during warm weather months, volunteers are a key to ensuring the park stays in good condition, Hill said.
“Right now, it’s struggling a bit,” she said.
Van Orman, who opposed the break from SCRAPS back in 2003, said she supports the idea of a regional agency coordinating animal protection. There are plans to expand the SCRAPS facility near the Spokane Business and Industrial Park as part of an arrangement to take on the city of Spokane’s contract within the next year.
“It makes sense to have one agency,” she said. “I think it works out better for residents and animals.
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By
Craig Howard
