Council addresses animal shelter issues

RITZVILLE – In a recent letter to the mayor and City Council, seven residents expressed concerns over conditions at the city-owned animal pound.

The letter cited Title 5 of the Revised Code of Washington about "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals."

The letter was signed by Melody Bartlett, Melinda Benzel, Peggy Crossler, Leslie Greenwalt, Stacy Jones, Mikki Kison and Briana Larse.

In the opinion of the residents, the pound did not meet regulatory standards.

The letter acknowledged "the (Ritzville) facility is not meant to be a long term hold" and "our law enforcement officers work hard to find a...