King County, in Washinton state, will close its animal shelters by January 31, 2010 and end offering animal control services to cities within the county by June 30, 2010.

According to officials, the cost of providing animal care has exceeded revenue from pet licenses and other pet-related fees by $2 million each year, and that closing shelters was the only solution.

After June 30, 2010, the 32 cities that currently contract with King County for field animal control services will have to find another way to respond to animal-related calls.

The legislation also calls for a study to analyze the resources needed to meet the county’s animal control responsibilities under state law.

Source: KVAL.com