Revisit decision to end PAWS contract

I am both shocked and concerned after hearing about the Lynnwood City Council’s decision to end the city’s relationship with PAWS and contract with the Everett Animal Shelter.

PAWS is a no-kill facility for both domestic animals and wildlife as well. The Everett shelter is 25 miles away and does not even accept all breeds of domestic dogs, let alone wildlife and it is not a no-kill facility. PAWS is located inside the Lynnwood city limits and is totally dependent on donations from the community.

What kind of message does this send when we don’t even support a business inside our own city that provides such an important service?

I understand the decision was based around a billing process or a small savings. PAWS was not even given an opportunity to counter this before a decision had been made.

As a PAWS volunteer, and recent graduate of Lynnwood University, I believe that this decision shows a complete lack of community support and should be revisited. My hope is that more people get involved in these community decisions and that the public has a chance to give input prior to a few people making choices that affect many.

An animal lover,

Linda Barry

Lynnwood