KING COUNTY, Wash. - County leadership is demanding immediate upgrades for the county's animal shelters following two scathing reports that identified "deplorable" conditions at the county-run shelters.

Last month a county-hired consultant reported on the conditions and a lack of accountability at the shelters. Nathan Winograd said he found cages that were dirty enough to be labeled as a breeding ground for diseases, and animals were left without food or water.

Animal control officers dismissed the consultant's claims as one side in what they call a "he-said, she-said" mix-up.

But on Thursday county officials said the egregious reports leave no time to waste. Officials demanded immediate changes, including new cat cages, new dog runs, additional staff and, most importantly, a change in the shelters' culture.

"Animals should not be considered by society or by government as disposable," King County Executive Ron Sims said.

The county's Kent shelter is 35 years old. The long-term plan is to replace it.

The changes bear a $1 million price tag. Most of the money will come from donations and fees, and the rest from the county coffers.

"We want to create a model animal welfare program," said council member Julia Patterson, D-SeaTac.

County officials said the upgrades are just the beginning; the long-term fix is a work in progress.

The county will determine whether it should stay in the animal shelter business or hire a private business to take over. The decision is expected in August.