KING COUNTY, Wash. -- Animal Control officers say the recently-released report on the conditions of the county animal shelters paints an unfair portrait of their work.

The report released earlier this month by a county-hired consultant included several disturbing findings, including shelter cages dirty enough to be labeled a breeding ground for disease, and animals left without food or water for days.

The findings upset county council members considering an overhaul of the shelters. But animal control officers insist the harsh 147-page report is filled with falsehood.

Sgt. John Diel admits King County Animal Control needs more resources, but says there is no evidence that officers mistreated animals.

"It was specifically attacking our commitment to doing our job and our ability and willingness to do our job," he said. "The animals aren't in deplorable conditions and they have food and water."

Council member Bob Ferguson acknowledges that animal control officers often handle thankless work, but says it's time to stop the blame game and focus on fixing the problems.

"The animals don't care who is to blame but they're not getting adequate treatment," he said.

The solution could include hiring a private agency to oversee the operation of the shelters.

Animal control officers are urging supporters who want to keep King County's shelters open and public to send cat nip and dog biscuits to county council members. They hope that will make an impression.

Next month the council will hold a hearing to get feedback from the public on the current conditions of animal control services. Then it will consider whether King County has the resources to get up to speed.