This is a response to a letter regarding the shelter facility for Burien Animal Care and Control under my direction. I would like to address the situation regarding sick animals at the BACC shelter and the statement made that all of the cats at the shelter were euthanized. This is false.

We still have many healthy, immune cats available for adoption. They can be found on PetFinder.com listed under Burien Animal Control.

We did have a kitten adopted out who developed Feline Panleukopenia. The adopted parents' veterinarian diagnosed the kitten through a combination of fecal and blood tests. We were promptly notified and began investigating the health and exposure possibilities of the other cats in our facility.

I pursued a recognized best practice to prevent a widespread outbreak, consistent with the Koret Shelter Medicine program at UC Davis' College of Veterinary Medicine, a leader in shelter medicine education and research:

"At risk/exposed cats must be strictly isolated to prevent continued spread of disease. Depending on resources, this can be done either by a 14 day quarantine or euthanasia of exposed cats." They also warn "The incubation period is generally less than 14 days, and cats may shed infectious virus for 2-3 days before signs are observed. Kittens are at highest risk for this disease, and adult cats with current vaccinations are at very low risk."

I decided on a mixed approach of isolation and then testing if any cats or kittens appeared sick. During the initial 48 hours after the confirmed kitten's diagnosis, nine kittens and cats tested positive for Feline Panleukopenia on conventional tests and required euthanasia.

We make every effort to find homes for every adoptable cat or dog that we handle. While this is not always possible I can assure the community that every animal is treated humanely and in accordance to the contract that I have with the City of Burien.

I am in regular contact with City staff, including the City Manager, who have been to my facility and met with me on several occasions. The City Manager has said on numerous occasions he is supportive of the way I handled this situation, and of the way I am performing all the terms of my contract with the City.

It has not always been easy, and when it became clear that I would need to cease operating my veterinary practice, I worked with City staff to ensure that Burien Animal Care and Control would continue to operate smoothly.

In closing, I would like to thank the dozens of volunteers and supporters of our efforts. Without your dog-walking, cat-cuddling, box-scooping time and devotion we would not have been able to help as many animals as we have. I am actively searching for a new location where we can reestablish a publicly accessed shelter to continue to serve our community. If you are interested in helping with this process, please contact BACC

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to continue to provide the Burien Animal Care and Control services for you and our animals.

Leslie Kasper, DVM
Director, Burien Animal Care and Control