SEATTLE -- King County Executive Kurt Triplett announced a plan for the county to drop animal control and care responsibilities by next summer.

Triplett said money is tight even with the cash collected from 32 cities served by the Kent shelter, the County still spends $1.5 million on animals each year.

The county said Thursday it will close the Kent animal shelter by Nov. 1 and will relinquish animal control by June 30, 2010.

"In an era when we are mothballing parks, eliminating human services programs and closing health clinics, we can no longer afford to subsidize animal care and control," Triplett said.

Triplett said $3 million would be allocated for the transition to a new agency, but it was unclear exactly what entity would provide animal service after the county's involvement ends.

Over the next nine months, the county plans to find another animal welfare group to take over the duties now performed by King County.

“The hope is that a new contractor and operational entity will be developed that can better serve the cities, residents and the animals, given the current fiscal and political environment," Triplett said.

Triplett said discussions are under way with regional partners, cities and animal welfare agencies to come up with a solution that will provide quality services for animals.

Seattle animal advocates rallied outside the King County courthouse Thursday to support keeping King County Animal Care and Control intact. Opponents to the county's decision said that without animal services, thousands of homeless animals will have no options but the street.

"Our job is to try to convince the council and the executive that this would be folly," said animal advocate Thomas Tilson.

Also, with the threat of Green River flooding this winter, the current shelter will be shut down Nov. 1 and its animals moved to other shelters in the region.