ing County

OMBUDSMAN

Amy Calderwood, Ombudsman - Director

401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 135

Seattle, WA 98104-1818

Phone: (206) 263-9242 V/TDD

Fax: (206) 296-0948

om budsma n (Q kingcounty .gov

www.kingcounty.gov/ombudsman

September 28,2009

King County Animal Care and Control Employee (identity withheld)c/o Claire DavisWilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5100

Seatte, WA 98104

Re: Ombudsman Case No. 2009-02150

Dear Employee:

We write to follow up on your letter dated August 14, 2009, sent to members of the King

County Council and the Ombudsman's Office. In that letter, you allege serious continuing

problems with King County Animal Care and Control (KCACC), and that you have

witnessed inhumane conditions at the KCACC shelters which you claim violate neglect and

cruelty laws, and constitute an abuse of authority and a gross waste of public funds. As

explained below, and after consultation with you, the Ombudsman's Office is closing its

review of this matter at this time without prejudice to your abilty to fie a new complaint

involving the same or related subject matter at a later time.During the week of August 17, you met with me, Senior Deputy Ombudsman Lynn Anders,

and your liaison Claire Davis. It is our understanding that you and Ms. Davis have not

established an attorney/client relationship. However, we are sending this letter to you

through Ms. Davis at your and Ms. Davis' request.

In our meeting you disclosed your identity to us, and we have verified your employment with

King County. We are keeping your identity confidential at your request and because of yourbelief that you would likely suffer serious reprisals including possible harm to your personand property if your managers and colleagues knew that you reported improper

governmental action.

We note that the Whistleblower Protection Code ("the Code"), KCC 3.42, prohibits countyemployees from retaliating against another employee for making a good faith report of

improper governmental action. Retaliation is broadly defined, and a county employee who

retaliates, or attempts or threatens to retaliate, is subject to discipline up to termination.KCC 3.42.030(G). The Ombudsman may fine the department in which the retaliation

occurred up to $10,000. KCC 3.42.060(F)(3)(e).