Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/or-dog-consolidated-dog-laws
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 18:16:26+00:00

Document:
Full Statute Name: West's Oregon Revised Statutes Annotated. Title 9. Mortgages and Liens. Chapter 87. Statutory Liens. Possessory Chattel Liens; Title 36. Public Health and Safety. Chapter 433. Disease and Condition Control; Mass Gatherings; Indoor Air. Rabies Control; Title 48. Animals. Chapter 609. Animal Control; Exotic Animals; Dealers. Dogs; Title 50. Trade Regulations and Practices. Chapter 646A. Trade Regulation. Sales (Retail Pet Stores).
These Oregon statutes comprise the state's dog laws. Among the provisions include licensing and registration requirements, rabies control laws, and a comprehensive section on damage done by dogs, especially as it concerns the destruction of livestock.
Title 36. Public Health and Safety. Chapter 433. Disease and Condition Control; Mass Gatherings; Indoor Air. Rabies Control.
Title 48. Animals. Chapter 609. Animal Control; Exotic Animals; Dealers. Dogs.
609.010. Repealed by Laws 2005, c. 840, § 9.
Title 9. Mortgages and Liens. Chapter 87. Statutory Liens. Possessory Chattel Liens.
Title 41. Wildlife. Chapter 498. Hunting, Angling and Trapping Regulations; Miscellaneous Wildlife Protective Measures. Hunting and Trapping Restrictions.
Title 50. Trade Regulations and Practices. Chapter 646A. Trade Regulation. Sales (Retail Pet Stores).
Title 3. Remedies and Special Actions and Proceedings. Chapter 30. Actions and Suits in Particular Cases. Miscellaneous Actions.
(1) "Animal" means a dog or other animal of a species susceptible to rabies.
(2) "Owner" means any person having a right of property in an animal or who harbors an animal or who has it in the care of the person, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits an animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by the person. "Owner" does not include veterinarians or kennel operators temporarily maintaining on their premises animals owned by other persons for a period of not more than 30 days.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 1.
(1) If an animal bites a person and the bite causes a break in the skin, or if an animal is suspected of rabies or has been in close contact with an animal suspected of rabies, the facts shall be immediately reported to the local health officer by any person having direct knowledge.
(2) The Oregon Health Authority, in consultation with the State Department of Agriculture, shall promulgate rules relating to the handling and disposition of animals that have bitten a person or are suspected of rabies or that have been in close contact with an animal suspected of rabies. Such rules may include requirements for confinement, isolation and inoculation. Owners or persons in possession of animals subject to such rules, shall handle or dispose or allow the handling or disposal of such animals strictly in accordance with such rules.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 2; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 4; Laws 2001, c. 636, § 2; Laws 2009, c. 595, § 663, eff. June 26, 2009.
When confinement and observation of an animal for purposes of determining infection with rabies will not avoid the necessity of the application of painful or possibly dangerous preventative treatment to a person who has been bitten or scratched by such animal, the Director of the Oregon Health Authority may order possession of the animal to be immediately relinquished to the director or to the authorized representative of the director and may order the animal destroyed for examination of its bodily tissues.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 3; Laws 2009, c. 595, § 664, eff. June 26, 2009.
(1) In the event of the refusal of the owner or person in possession of an animal to comply with an order of the Director of the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 433.350, the director or the authorized representative of the director may petition the circuit court of the county in which such animal is located for an order requiring such owner or person to comply with such order.
(2) The petition shall be verified and shall set forth the facts relative to the refusal to comply with the order. A copy of the petition shall be served upon the owner or person in possession of the animal in the manner provided for service of summons in civil actions. Such owner or person in possession shall appear and answer the petition at a time and place set by the court in an order, a copy of which shall be served with the petition, directing the defendant to appear at such time and place, and to then and there show cause, if any, why an order directing compliance with the order of the director should not be granted. The time set by the court for the hearing to show cause shall be made with due regard for the circumstances of the person or persons who have been subjected to the bite or scratch of the animal and whose health or life may be in jeopardy.
(3) If the owner or person in possession fails to appear or the court either with or without such appearance finds the allegations of the petition are true and the order of the director is necessary under ORS 433.350, the court shall enter its order requiring the owner or person in possession of such animal to comply with the order of the director.
(4) The sheriff of the county in which the animal is located shall execute such order by serving upon the owner or person in possession a copy thereof duly certified to by the clerk of the circuit court and by enforcing the provisions thereof.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 4; Laws 2009, c. 595, § 665, eff. June 26, 2009.
(1) Whenever a case of animal rabies occurs, the fact shall be reported to the Director of the Oregon Health Authority and to the State Department of Agriculture immediately.
(2) The department, in consultation with the Oregon Health Authority, shall establish a quarantine pursuant to ORS chapter 596 if the department and the authority find that a quarantine is necessary.
(3) The department and the authority may contract with counties for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of ORS 433.350, 433.355 and subsection (2) of this section.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 5; Laws 1975, c. 750, § 1; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 5; Laws 2009, c. 595, § 666, eff. June 26, 2009.
(1) A dog that has permanent canine teeth or that is six months of age or older must be inoculated against rabies, unless specifically exempted by rule of the Oregon Health Authority or the State Department of Agriculture.
(a) Not apply to animals brought temporarily into the state for periods of less than 30 days but may require that the animals be kept under strict supervision by the owners of the animals.
(b) Not apply to dogs or to any other animal specifically exempted from the inoculation requirement by rule of the department or the authority.
(3) The costs of all such required inoculations shall be borne by the owners of the animal.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 7; Laws 1975, c. 750, § 2; Laws 2001, c. 636, § 3; Laws 2009, c. 595, § 667, eff. June 26, 2009.
The Oregon Health Authority shall be responsible for development and coordination of vaccination clinics at sufficient and reasonable times at various locations throughout the state for the inoculation of dogs against rabies. Costs of vaccination shall be borne by the dog owner.
Laws 1977, c. 189, § 2; Laws 2009, c. 595, § 668, eff. June 26, 2009.
Every veterinarian inoculating an animal against rabies shall supply to the owner evidence of inoculation which shall consist of a certificate issued and signed by the veterinarian. The form of the certificate shall be prescribed by the Oregon Health Authority.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 8; Laws 1975, c. 750, § 3; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 6; Laws 1985, c. 793, § 1; Laws 2009, c. 595, § 669, eff. June 26, 2009.
(1) The owner of the animal shall present by mail or otherwise the inoculation certificate, together with the fee fixed pursuant to ORS 433.380, if any, to the clerk of the county in which the owner resides.
(2) The county shall upon receipt of the fee and presentation of the certificate issue to the owner a serial-numbered tag, legibly identifying its expiration date as such date is determined in accordance with rules of the Oregon Health Authority relating to intervals of inoculation. The tag shall be designed for and shall be attached to a collar or harness that must be worn by the dog for which the tag and certificate are issued at all times when off or outside the premises of the owner. Whenever an original tag is lost, mutilated or destroyed, upon application and payment of the fee prescribed under ORS 433.380, if any, a replacement tag, to be dated, designed and worn as the original, shall be issued.
(3) No official of any county shall issue a license for a dog until the official has been shown a proper certification, or its equivalent, of a rabies inoculation.
(4) If the county files the certificate upon which a tag is issued, it shall be cross-referenced to the tag number. If the certificate is not filed, the county shall keep an appropriate record of the expiration date and number, if any, of the certificate cross-referenced to the tag number. Notwithstanding ORS 205.320 (1)(a), a fee is not required for filing the certificate.
(5) Unexpired tags shall be honored in all counties when the animal is in transit or where the owner has established a new residence.
(6) The provisions of this section apply to a city, rather than a county, in a city that has a dog licensing program.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 9; Laws 1975, c. 750, § 4; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 6a; Laws 1985, c. 793, § 2; Laws 1991, c. 230, § 34; Laws 2009, c. 595, § 670, eff. June 26, 2009; Laws 2015, c. 27, § 47, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.
Notwithstanding ORS 433.375 or any other provision of law, a county or city may consider issuance of a license for a dog as verification of there being a certificate of inoculation on file and need not issue a tag pursuant to ORS 433.375 (2).
Laws 1977, c. 189, § 3.
Notwithstanding ORS 192.001 to 192.170, the county or city may dispose of certificates of inoculation upon their expiration date.
Laws 1977, c. 189, § 12.
A fee for the tag and replacement tag may be fixed in each county by the governing body of the county in such amount as it finds necessary to enable the county to carry out the provisions of ORS 433.365, 433.370 and 433.380 to 433.390 and the regulations promulgated hereunder and shall not be considered a license or tax within the meaning of ORS 609.100.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 10.
(1) Any animal in violation of ORS 433.365 shall be apprehended and impounded.
(2) All animals apprehended and impounded under this section shall be held in adequate and sanitary pounds to be established or contracted for in each county by the governing body of the county. All animals so impounded shall be given proper care and maintenance.
(3) When an animal is apprehended and impounded, the owner, if known, shall be given notice of not less than five days from the date of such impounding before the animal is destroyed or otherwise disposed of. An owner appearing to redeem the animal may do so if the provisions of ORS 433.365 are complied with and if the owner pays the expense of keeping the animal during the time it was impounded and in addition thereto, the sum established by the county governing body. If the animal is subject to any other impounding law the requirements for release under that law shall also be met except that the expense of keeping the animal shall be payable only once for the period of impoundment. If the owner does not appear to redeem the animal after the notice provided for herein, or otherwise, after five days, or if the owner is not known, after three days, the governing body of the county may provide for animals impounded to be released to any other person upon the conditions outlined in this subsection or otherwise disposed of in a humane manner.
(4) If the owner desires to redeem an animal impounded pursuant to this section or the animal is to be released to any other person as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the person shall post a $20 deposit with the county and obtain possession of the animal for the purpose of complying with ORS 433.365. The county shall refund the deposit to a person who, on or before the eighth day after obtaining possession of the animal, demonstrates proof of rabies inoculation or exemption from the inoculation requirement and, if applicable, proof of purchase of a license as required under ORS 609.100. Failure to demonstrate proof of rabies inoculation or exemption and proof of licensing within the prescribed time shall forfeit the deposit to the county.
(5) The governing body of the county shall designate persons responsible for the enforcement of this section.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 11; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 7; Laws 2001, c. 636, § 4.
(1) All moneys received by a county under ORS 433.340 to 433.390 and 433.990 (6) shall be paid to the county dog control fund.
(2) The governing body of the county may, in the event of a rabies outbreak within the county, use such portion of the dog control fund as it deems necessary to purchase rabies vaccine for administration to animals under the direction of the state and local health officers.
Laws 1971, c. 413, § 12; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 8; Laws 1987, c. 158, § 78; Laws 1987, c. 905, § 22; Laws 2001, c. 104, § 156; Laws 2007, c. 445, § 31, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
(1) ORS 609.030 and 609.040 to 609.110 apply in every county except as otherwise provided by county charter or ordinance. ORS 609.030 and 609.040 to 609.110 do not limit the powers of cities and counties to adopt ordinances and regulations relating to the control of dogs.
Laws 1967, c. 496, § 3; Laws 1977, c. 237, § 1; subsection (2) enacted as Laws 1977, c. 802, § 2; Laws 1999, c. 756, § 16.
Dogs are hereby declared to be personal property.
(1) The governing body of any county may declare the county a dog control district.
(5) The county governing body may provide for appointment of a dog control officer and otherwise provide for administration and enforcement of a dog control program.
Amended by Laws 1957, c. 79, § 1; Laws 1963, c. 398, § 1; Laws 1975, c. 297, § 1; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 9.
(5) “Menaces” means lunging, growling, snarling or other behavior by a dog that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person's safety.
(c) Without provocation and while not on premises from which the keeper may lawfully exclude others, inflicts physical injury on or kills a domestic animal as defined in ORS167.310.
(8) “Serious physical injury” has the meaning given that term in ORS 161.015.
Laws 2005, c. 840, § 4; Laws 2015, c. 292, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.
(1) If the governing body of a county by ordinance, or a measure approved by the electors in an election conducted in accordance with ORS chapter 250, prohibits dogs from running at large, the county shall give notice, by publication in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county.
(2) After 60 days from the date of the notice, every person keeping a dog shall prevent the dog from running at large in any county or city where prohibited. A person who is the keeper of a dog commits a Class B violation if the dog runs at large where prohibited.
Amended by Laws 1965, c. 499, § 1; Laws 1977, c. 802, § 5; Laws 1999, c. 658, § 5; Laws 2011, c. 597, § 248, eff. July 1, 2011, operative Jan. 1, 2012; Laws 2011, c. 597, § 317, eff. July 1, 2011, operative Jan. 1, 2012.
(8) Any other factors that the board, governing body or court may deem relevant.
Laws 1999, c. 658, § 2; Laws 2001, c. 636, § 8; Laws 2005, c. 840, § 6.
(4) Any person who has cause to believe a keeper is maintaining a dog that is a public nuisance may complain, either orally or in writing, to the county or city. The receipt of any complaint is sufficient cause for the county or city to investigate the matter and determine whether the keeper of the dog is in violation of subsection (2) or (3) of this section.
Laws 1973, c. 655, § 2; Laws 1977, c. 802, § 7; Laws 1999, c. 658, § 8; Laws 1999, c. 756, § 18; Laws 2001, c. 636, § 9; Laws 2001, c. 926, § 15; Laws 2005, c. 840, § 7; Laws 2011, c. 607, § 16, eff. Jan. 1, 2012.
(3) Maintaining a dangerous dog is punishable as described in ORS 609.990.
Laws 2005, c. 840, § 2.
(1) In a county or city having a dog control program under ORS 609.030, 609.035 to 609.110 and 609.405, every person keeping a dog that has a set of permanent canine teeth or is six months old, whichever comes first, shall procure a license for the dog. The license must be procured by paying a license fee to the county in which the person resides not later than March 1 of each year or within 30 days after the person becomes keeper of the dog. However, the county governing body may provide for dates other than March 1 for annual payment of fees. The fee for the license shall be determined by the county governing body in such amount as it finds necessary to carry out ORS 609.035 to 609.110. A license fee shall not be less than $25 for each dog, except that the fee shall not be less than $3 for each spayed female or neutered male dog for which a veterinarian's certificate of operation for the spaying or neutering of the dog is presented to the county. If the person fails to procure a license within the time provided by this section, the county governing body may prescribe a penalty in an additional sum to be set by the governing body.
(b) If the keeper of the dog transfers the keeping of the dog to a person who resides in a city or county other than the city or county in which the license was issued.
Amended by Laws 1953, c. 27, § 2; Laws 1959, c. 374, § 1; Laws 1969, c. 677, § 1; Laws 1973, c. 655, § 4; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 10; Laws 1977, c. 802, § 8; Laws 1987, c. 240, § 1; Laws 1999, c. 658, §§ 10, 10a; Laws 2001, c. 753, § 13; Laws 2007, c. 70, § 280, eff. Jan. 1, 2008; Laws 2011, c. 607, § 17, eff. Jan. 1, 2012; Laws 2015, c. 292, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.
Laws 1979, c. 366, § 1; Laws 1991, c. 67, § 155; Laws 1999, c. 658, § 11; Laws 2001, c. 104, § 238; Laws 2013, c. 530, §8, eff. June 26, 2013.
All funds derived under ORS 433.340 to 433.385 and 609.040 to 609.110 shall be turned over to the county treasurer, who shall keep them in a fund to be known as the Dog License Fund, to be expended as provided for by law. At the end of a fiscal year any amount of money in the fund determined by the county governing body to be in excess of the requirements of the Dog License Fund may be placed in the general fund of the county.
Amended by Laws 1963, c. 309, § 1; Laws 1969, c. 677, § 2; Laws 1973, c. 655, § 5; Laws 1977, c. 189, § 11.
(1) As used in this section, "keeper" and "potentially dangerous dog" have the meanings given those terms in ORS 609.035.
(3) Subsection (2) of this section does not apply if a physical injury is to a person provoking the dog or assaulting the dog's keeper or to a person who trespasses upon premises from which the keeper may lawfully exclude others.
Laws 2005, c. 840, § 1.
As used in ORS 609.135 to 609.190, "livestock" means ratites, psittacines, horses, mules, jackasses, cattle, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, swine, domesticated fowl and any fur-bearing animal bred and maintained commercially or otherwise, within pens, cages and hutches.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 11.
(1) ORS 609.156, 609.162 and 609.168 apply in every county having a dog control program.
(3) ORS 609.162 (2) does not eliminate or restrict the ability of a county to adopt a charter or ordinance that is contrary to ORS 609.163. Notwithstanding any county charter or ordinance, a notice of determination sent under ORS 609.156 (2) or after a full and fair hearing shall be sent as provided under ORS 609.158 (4).
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 9a.
(1) The owner of any livestock which has been damaged by being injured, chased, wounded or killed by any dog shall have a cause of action against the owner of such dog for the damages resulting therefrom, including double the value of any livestock killed and double the amount of any damage to the livestock.
(a) "Owner" means the head of the family of the home where the dog is cared for at the time of the damage.
(b) "Head of the family" means any person who has charge or manages the affairs of a collective body of persons residing together, the relations between whom are of a permanent and domestic character.
Amended by Laws 1973, c. 655, § 7; Laws 1975, c. 749, § 1.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, any dog, whether licensed or not, which, while off the premises owned or under control of its owner, kills, wounds, or injures any livestock not belonging to the master of such dog, is a public nuisance and may be killed immediately by any person. However, nothing in this section applies to any dog acting under the direction of its master, or the agents or employees of such master.
(3) No person shall kill any dog for killing, wounding, injuring or chasing chickens upon a public place, highway or within the corporate limits of any city.
Amended by Laws 1975, c. 749, § 6.
(1) The State Department of Agriculture shall coordinate the development of a program to educate dog owners concerning their responsibility to avoid conflicts between dogs and livestock. The program shall include the publication of a brochure. A discussion of penalties and other measures provided for under ORS 609.162 and 609.163 shall be included in the brochure.
(2) The obligation of the department under subsection (1) of this section is limited to the extent of any moneys specifically appropriated for that purpose or available from donations, gifts and grants by private or other nonstate sources.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 10.
(1) In a county with a dog control program, upon finding a dog engaged in killing, wounding, injuring or chasing livestock or upon receipt from a complainant of evidence that a dog has been so engaged, the dog control officer or other law enforcement officer shall impound the dog.
(b) Notwithstanding ORS 609.090, a dog impounded pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall not be released until a determination is made by the county pursuant to this subsection.
Laws 1975, c. 749, § 4; Laws 1977, c. 802, § 9; Laws 1999, c. 756, § 20.
(1) Prior to making a determination whether a dog has killed, wounded, injured or chased livestock, a county shall provide an opportunity for the dog owner to receive a hearing. The county shall send notice of the opportunity to request a hearing in a manner that is reasonably calculated, under all the circumstances, to apprise the dog owner of the specific behavior and incident alleged and the possible penalties, and to provide the dog owner with a fair opportunity for making the hearing request.
(2) A dog owner must cause a hearing request to be delivered to the county not later than the 14th day following the sending of notice under subsection (1) of this section. If a dog owner does not make a timely request for a hearing, the dog owner is conclusively presumed to have admitted the matter alleged and the county may immediately take action under ORS 609.162 and 609.163. The county shall send notice of its determination in the manner provided under ORS 609.158 (4).
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 2.
(5) If a hearing is not conducted by a majority of the county governing body, the owner may request that the county governing body reexamine the determination. If the county governing body does not grant the request for reexamination within 14 days, the request shall be deemed denied. A county governing body may not reexamine a determination if a petition for judicial review of the determination has been filed.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 3.
(4) Portions of the anatomy or covering of the anatomy of livestock are found on the teeth of the dog, unless the dog is regularly used for the purpose of herding sheep.
(2) In establishing the history of a dog for purposes of this section, or the history of an owner for purposes of ORS 609.163, a county shall consider all known determinations involving the dog or owner by any court, or by a governing body, official or agency of any local or state government, without regard to where or when the incident occurred.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 5.
(1) If a county assesses a civil penalty under ORS 609.162 against a dog owner who has previously been assessed a civil penalty, fine or forfeiture based upon the killing, wounding, injuring or chasing of livestock in an incident not involving the same dog or dogs as in the matter being determined, the county shall assess an additional civil penalty of not less than $250 and not more than $1,000.
(3) In addition to any other civil penalty under this section or ORS 609.162, if a dog that kills, wounds, injures or chases livestock is not licensed as required, the county may assess a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. A civil penalty imposed under this subsection shall prevent imposition of a fine under ORS 609.990 for violation of ORS 609.100.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 6.
(1) A determination issued under ORS 609.156 or 609.158 is subject to judicial review by the circuit court for the county making the determination as provided under ORS 34.010 to 34.100. Notwithstanding ORS 34.070, filing a petition for review shall automatically stay execution of the determination made by the county.
(3) If the court reverses the decision of the county, the court shall make special findings of fact based upon the evidence in the record and conclusions of law indicating clearly all aspects in which the county's procedure or determination was in error.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 4.
(1) When a civil penalty is assessed against a dog owner under ORS 609.162 or 609.163, the county shall supply the State Department of Agriculture with information identifying the dog owner. The department shall supply the counties with forms for recording the information.
(3) The county and the department may charge reasonable fees to the dog owner to cover the cost of conducting and administering the dog owner information program.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 8.
(1) Moneys collected from a dog owner under ORS 609.162 or 609.163 shall be deposited in the county treasury.
(5) Imposition of a civil penalty under ORS 609.162 or 609.163 does not prevent the bringing of an action for damages under ORS 609.140 or 609.190. A determination by the county that a dog has killed, wounded, injured or chased livestock is prima facie evidence of the matter in a subsequent action under ORS 609.140 but not in an action under ORS 609.190.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 7.
(1) A county shall implant an identifying microchip into a dog described in ORS 609.162 that is not put to death. Implantation shall be made prior to any adoption or relocation of the dog. The State Department of Agriculture, by rule, shall prescribe standards for microchip implantation. The county making an implantation shall forward the microchip information and the record of the dog to the department.
(3) The county and the department may charge reasonable fees to the dog owner to cover the cost of conducting and administering the microchip implantation program.
Laws 1999, c. 756, § 9.
(1) Except as provided under subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a person may not own, harbor or keep any dog with knowledge that it has killed, wounded or injured livestock within this state or, with knowledge that, while off the premises owned or under the control of its owner and while not acting under the direction of its master or the agents or employees of such master, it has killed or seriously injured any person.
(3) A person is not prohibited from owning, harboring or keeping a dog, with knowledge that it has killed or wounded chickens, unless the dog owner fails to pay full damages for the killed or wounded chickens within three days after receipt of a demand for those damages from the owner of the chickens.
In a county with a dog control program the owner of any livestock killed, wounded, chased or injured by any dog may, within 10 days after the killing, wounding, chasing or injuring occurred, or became known to the owner, present to the dog control board or county governing body a verified statement containing a full account of the incident, stating in detail the amount of damage claimed on account thereof, and the name and address of the owner or keeper of the dog, if known. The claim shall be supported by the affidavit of at least one disinterested person as to all material facts contained in it.
Amended by Laws 1953, c. 640, § 2; Laws 1975, c. 749, § 7; Laws 1977, c. 802, § 10.
All claims presented as provided by ORS 609.170 shall be heard at the first regular session of the dog control board or county governing body after their presentation, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable. If the board or governing body determines that any livestock has been damaged by being killed, wounded, injured or chased, it shall file and enter a record of the value of the livestock and order a warrant drawn for the amount of damages thus found, or any portion thereof that it considers just, to be paid by the county treasurer out of the Dog License Fund. A livestock owner may refuse to accept the tendered payment and may withdraw a claim filed under ORS 609.170. If the dog control board or county governing body considers the claim unjust, it shall disallow the claim and enter that fact upon its record. A claim may not be allowed where it appears that the damage complained of was caused by a dog owned or controlled by the claimant or the agent of the claimant.
Amended by Laws 1975, c. 749, § 8; Laws 1977, c. 802, § 11; Laws 1999, c. 756, § 23.
In each case where a claim against the Dog License Fund of any county has been paid by the dog control board or county governing body, the county shall be subrogated to all the rights of the livestock owner against the dog owner for damages. The district attorney shall proceed promptly, in a lawful way, to collect for those damages. Any money so collected shall be paid over immediately to the treasurer of the county and credited to the Dog License Fund.
Amended by Laws 1975, c. 749, § 9; Laws 1977, c. 802, § 12; Laws 1999, c. 756, § 24.
Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS chapters 496, 497 and 498 relating to wildlife, and ORS 609.305 to 609.335 and 609.992 relating to exotic animals, a city or county may prohibit by ordinance the keeping of wildlife, as defined in ORS 496.004, and may prohibit by ordinance the keeping of exotic animals as defined in ORS 609.305.
Laws 1977, c. 802, § 3; Laws 1985, c. 437, § 9.
(5) Any member of the order Crocodylia.
Laws 1985, c. 437, § 2; Laws 1999, c. 699, § 3; Laws 2009, c. 492, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
It is the policy of this state to protect the public against health and safety risks that exotic animals pose to the community, ensure the health, welfare and safety of exotic animals and ensure the security of facilities in which exotic animals are kept, so as to avoid undue physical or financial risk to the public.
Laws 1985, c. 437, § 1; Laws 1999, c. 699, § 4; Laws 2009, c. 492, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
A person who sells an exotic animal must, prior to accepting the offer to purchase, provide the prospective purchaser of the exotic animal with informational material approved by the State Department of Agriculture regarding the care, husbandry, health and nutritional needs of the exotic animal. This section does not allow the sale of an exotic animal to a person located in this state other than an entity described in ORS 609.345.
Laws 1999, c. 699, § 2; Laws 2009, c. 492, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
609.315. Permit requirement exceptions - 609.315. Renumbered 609.345 in 2009 by the Legislative Counsel.
Any person who keeps an exotic animal shall keep the animal under conditions of confinement or control that, given the nature of the animal, would be imposed by a reasonable and prudent keeper to avoid physical or financial risk to the public as a result of escape of the animal or otherwise.
Laws 1985, c. 437, § 4; Laws 1999, c. 699, § 7.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if an injury or escape by an exotic animal is in whole or in part the result of a willful unlawful act by a person other than the keeper, the keeper's liability for damages resulting from the escape or injury is the amount of total damages multiplied by the percentage of fault attributable to the keeper's negligence.
Laws 1985, c. 437, § 5; Laws 1999, c. 699, § 8.
(1) The State Department of Agriculture shall adopt reasonable rules for issuing permits to keep exotic animals and establishing conditions for keeping the exotic animals. The conditions shall be directed toward ensuring the health, welfare and safety of the exotic animals and, where necessary, the security of facilities in which the exotic animals are kept so as to avoid undue physical or financial risk to the public. The rules shall be no more restrictive upon keepers of exotic animals than is reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of ORS 609.309.
(2) The department may revoke a permit upon finding a violation of rules adopted under this section, or the department may issue a finding of violation and a warning to remedy the violation by a specified date.
Laws 1985, c. 437, § 7; Laws 1999, c. 699, § 9; Laws 2009, c. 492, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(1) A person may not keep an exotic animal in this state unless the person possesses a valid State Department of Agriculture permit for that animal issued prior to January 1, 2010, or issued as provided in ORS 609.351.
(ii) The person provides written documentation, including the person's business license, that the person bred the animals for the purpose of retail sale of the offspring.
(b) As used in this subsection, “small exotic feline” means a member of the family Felidae, except the species Felis catus (domestic cat), that weighs 50 pounds or less when fully mature.
Renumbered from 609.319 in 2009 by the Legislative Counsel. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 492, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(2) As used in subsection (1)(h) of this section, “service monkey” means a nonhuman primate of the genus Cebus that is trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability.
Renumbered from 609.315 in 2009 by the Legislative Counsel. Amended by Laws 2017, c. 409, § 17, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.
(1) The State Department of Agriculture may issue a permit to a person to keep an exotic animal if the person applies for the permit within 90 days after January 1, 2010.
(2) The department may, within one year of January 1, 2010, issue a permit to a person to possess an exotic animal if the person submits satisfactory proof to the department that the person possessed the exotic animal prior to January 1, 2010 and that the person meets requirements of rules adopted by the department under ORS 609.335.
(3) The department may charge a fee to issue or renew a permit under this section. The fee may not exceed $100. Each permit or renewal of a permit is valid for two years.
Added by Laws 2009, c. 492, § 8, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(4) The person meets the requirements of rules adopted by the department under ORS 609.335.
Added by Laws 2009, c. 492, § 9, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(1) No city or county or any facility with which the city or county has contracted to perform animal control functions and no humane society shall cause a dog or cat to be destroyed except by lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital or other substance approved by the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
(2) If a particular dog or cat to be destroyed poses an imminent threat to human or animal life, making use of lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital inappropriate, a reasonable and appropriate alternative may be used. The alternative method may be subject to review by the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
Laws 1985, c. 289, § 2 (1), (2).
(8)(a) A violation of this section may result in imposition of civil penalties to be determined by the enforcing agency, including but not limited to impoundment of all animals under the animal rescue's control, the revocation of the animal rescue's license to operate animal rescue operations and a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each violation.
(9) Moneys raised by the enforcing agency under this section are dedicated to and shall be used for enforcing agency operations undertaken pursuant to this section and ORS 609.420.
Added by Laws 2013, c. 719, § 10, eff. Aug. 1, 2013. Amended by Laws 2015, c. 267, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.
(1) Whenever an authorized representative of an enforcing agency is advised or has reason to believe that an animal rescue entity is operating without a license, the authorized representative may visit and conduct an on-site investigation of the premises of the animal rescue entity. The purpose of an investigation under this section is to determine whether the animal rescue entity is subject to the requirements of ORS 609.415.
(6) If, during the course of an inspection made under this section, the enforcing agency finds evidence of animal cruelty in violation of ORS 167.310 to 167.351, 167.352, 167.355 or 167.360 to 167.372, the enforcing agency shall seize the evidence and report the violation to law enforcement. Evidence of animal cruelty found through a valid inspection under this section shall be presumed admissible in any subsequent criminal proceeding.
Added by Laws 2013, c. 719, § 11, eff. Aug. 1, 2013.
(4) "Companion animal" means a dog or cat possessed by a person, business or other entity for purposes of companionship, security, hunting, herding or providing assistance in relation to a physical disability.
(5) "Person" means a human being, corporation, nonprofit corporation, association, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity.
(b) Manufactures or sells products to be used in the prevention, control or cure of diseases or abnormal conditions of human beings or animals, or in the testing of the effects of substances on human beings or animals.
Laws 1991, c. 837, § 2.
(b) Obtains a companion animal or the offspring of a companion animal from a person who has not raised the companion animal or the offspring of the companion animal on the person's own premises.
(3) It is an affirmative defense to a charge of violating subsections (1) and (2) of this section that an animal dealer, having received a companion animal or the offspring of a companion animal in violation of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, delivers the companion animal or the offspring of the companion animal to an animal shelter within 24 hours of acquisition.
Laws 1991, c. 837, §§ 3, 4.
(3) The department shall maintain the reports and provide for public inspection of, and telephone inquiries concerning, the reports during normal business hours.
Laws 1991, c. 837, § 5.
(2) Delivers the dog or cat to an animal shelter.
Laws 1991, c. 837, § 6.
(1)(a) An animal dealer shall permit inspection during normal business hours of companion animal records and the location at which companion animals are kept. The dealer may require documentation that a person seeking to inspect the location is the owner of a companion animal. When making the inspection, the person may be accompanied by an animal control officer. A person may demand inspection only if it is for the purpose of seeking the person's own companion animal. A person is allowed no more than three inspections per week for up to six weeks following the disappearance of the person's companion animal.
(3) Law enforcement officers or animal control officers may conduct routine inspections of animal dealer facilities during normal business hours to insure compliance with animal control statutes, ordinances and regulations.
Laws 1991, c. 837, § 7; Laws 1995, c. 658, § 110.
(2) It is in the public interest to enact legislation to encourage the permissive reporting of animal cruelty.
Added by Laws 2007, c. 731, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
(c) Any county sheriff's office.
(t) A member of the Legislative Assembly.
Added by Laws 2007, c. 731, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2008. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 595, § 990, eff. June 26, 2009; Laws 2009, c. 442, § 42, eff. Jan. 1, 2010; Laws 2011, c. 506, § 44, eff. June 23, 2011, operative Jan. 1, 2012; Laws 2011, c. 703, § 43, eff. Jan. 1, 2012; Laws 2012, c. 67, § 15, eff. March 27, 2012; Laws 2012, c. 37, § 66, eff. March 6, 2012, operative July 1, 2012; Laws 2013, c. 623, § 20, eff. July 19, 2013; Laws 2013, c. 624, § 35, eff. July 19, 2013; Laws 2013, c. 180, § 48, eff. May 16, 2013, operative Jan. 1, 2014; Laws 2015, c. 736, § 105, eff. July 20, 2015, operative Jan. 1, 2016; Laws 2016, c. 106, § 54, eff. April 4, 2016, operative July 1, 2016.
(1) Notwithstanding ORS 40.225 to 40.295, a public or private official who has reasonable cause to believe that an animal with which the official has come in contact has suffered aggravated animal abuse, or that any person with whom the official has come in contact has committed aggravated animal abuse, may immediately report the suspected aggravated animal abuse in the manner prescribed in subsection (2) of this section.
(3) A public or private official who acts in good faith and has reasonable grounds for making a report of suspected aggravated animal abuse under this section is not liable in any civil or criminal proceeding brought as a result of making the report.
Added by Laws 2007, c. 731, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.
(4) A regulated social worker who acts in good faith and has reasonable grounds for making a report under this section of suspected abuse or neglect is not liable in any civil or criminal proceeding brought as a result of making the report.
Added by Laws 2015, c. 184, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.
(2) Violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
(1) As used in this section, “dog” means a member of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris or a hybrid of that subspecies.
(2) A person that possesses, controls or otherwise has charge of at the same time 75 or more dogs shall have one or more individuals on site for at least eight hours each day to care for the dogs. The ratio between dogs and on-site individuals may not be more than 75 dogs to one individual.
Added by Laws 2009, c. 297, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(1) Violation of ORS 609.060 (2), 609.100 or 609.169 is a Class B violation.
(5) In addition to any fine or sentence imposed under this section, a court may order a person who violates ORS 609.060 (2), 609.095, 609.098, 609.100, 609.169 or 609.405 to pay restitution for any physical injury, death or property damage caused by the dog as a result of the keeper's violation of ORS 609.060 (2), 609.095, 609.098, 609.100, 609.169 or 609.405. The court may also order the person to pay the cost of keeping the dog in impoundment.
(8) If a court orders a dog killed under subsection (6) of this section and the keeper does not make the dog available for that purpose, the court may issue a search warrant for a property upon probable cause to believe that the dog is located at that property.
Amended by Laws 1963, c. 237, § 2; Laws 1965, c. 499, § 2; Laws 1967, c. 495, § 3; Laws 1973, c. 655, § 6; Laws 1977, c. 802, § 13; subsection (3) enacted as Laws 1985, c. 289, § 2 (3); Laws 1999, c. 658, §§ 12, 12a; Laws 1999, c. 1051, §§ 208, 322b; Laws 2001, c. 636, § 11; Laws 2005, c. 840, § 8; Laws 2011, c. 597, § 249, eff. July 1, 2011, operative Jan. 1, 2012.
(1) Violation of ORS 609.319 is a Class B misdemeanor.
(2) In addition to and not in lieu of any jail sentence or fine it may impose, a court may require a defendant convicted under ORS 609.319 to forfeit any rights of the defendant in any exotic animal kept in violation thereof and to repay reasonable costs incurred by any person, city, county or state agency in caring for the animal prior to judgment.
(3) When the court orders the defendant's rights in the exotic animal to be forfeited, the court may further order that those rights be given over to an appropriate person or agency demonstrating a willingness to accept and care for the animal or to the county or an appropriate animal care agency for further disposition in accordance with accepted practices for humane treatment of animals. This subsection shall not constitute or authorize any limitation upon the right of the person or agency to whom rights are granted to resell or otherwise make disposition of the animal. A transfer of rights under this subsection constitutes a transfer of ownership.
Laws 1985, c. 437, § 6.
(1) Violation of ORS 609.510, 609.515 or 609.520 is a specific fine violation punishable by a fine of not more than $50,000.
(3) The circuit court for each county has the authority to enjoin any violation of ORS 609.510, 609.515 or 609.520, to issue warrants and to take such other actions as equity or justice may require.
Laws 1991, c. 837, § 8; Laws 1995, c. 658, § 111; Laws 2011, c. 597, § 250, eff. July 1, 2011, operative Jan. 1, 2012.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person claiming a lien under ORS 87.152 to 87.162 must retain the chattel that is subject to the lien for at least 60 days after the lien attaches to the chattel before foreclosing the lien.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a person claiming a lien under ORS 87.152 for cost of care, materials and services bestowed on an animal must retain the animal for at least 30 days after the lien attaches to the animal before foreclosing the lien. If the lien is for veterinary services to a domestic animal, the person must retain the animal for at least five days after the lien attaches to the animal before foreclosing the lien. As used in this subsection, “domestic animal” means an animal that is not livestock as defined in ORS 72.1030 and for which the veterinary services were requested by an owner or other person with apparent authority regarding care of the animal.
(a) $1,000 or less but more than $500, must retain the vehicle at least 30 days after the lien attaches to the vehicle before foreclosing the lien.
(b) $500 or less, must retain the vehicle at least 15 days after the lien attaches to the vehicle before foreclosing the lien.
Laws 1975, c. 648, § 7; Laws 1979, c. 401, § 1; Laws 1981, c. 861, § 1; Laws 1983, c. 338, § 881; Laws 1993, c. 326, § 9; Laws 1995, c. 758, § 18; Laws 2005, c. 738, § 7; Laws 2011, c. 399, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2012.
(1) Any dog that is not wearing a collar with a license number thereon in compliance with ORS 609.100 that is found unlawfully hunting, running or tracking any game mammal or game bird may be killed at such time by any person authorized to enforce the wildlife laws.
(2) If a dog that is found unlawfully hunting, running or tracking any game mammal or game bird is wearing a collar with a license number thereon in compliance with ORS 609.100, the owner of the dog shall be notified by any person authorized to enforce the wildlife laws. If the owner or reputed owner of the dog disclaims ownership of the dog, the dog may be killed at such time by a person authorized to enforce the wildlife laws.
(3) If the owner of a dog has been notified that the dog has been found unlawfully hunting, running or tracking game mammals or game birds and thereafter fails to prevent the dog from unlawfully hunting, running or tracking game mammals or game birds, such dog may be killed by any person authorized to enforce the wildlife laws.
(4) No person shall permit any dog the person owns to unlawfully hunt, run or track any game mammal or game bird.
Laws 1973, c. 723, § 84.
Competitive field trials for hunting dogs may be held at such times and places and under such conditions as the State Fish and Wildlife Commission may prescribe by rule.
Laws 1973, c. 723, § 85.
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a person may not use bait to attract or take black bears or use one or more dogs to hunt or pursue black bears or cougars.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits the use of bait or one or more dogs by employees or agents of county, state or federal agencies while acting in their official capacities.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits the use of bait or dogs by persons for the taking of black bears or cougars in accordance with the provisions of ORS 498.012 relating to taking wildlife that is causing damage.
(4) Any person who violates subsection (1) of this section commits a Class A misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall in addition to appropriate criminal penalties have his or her privilege to apply for any hunting license suspended for a period of five years for a first offense and permanently suspended for any subsequent offense.
(5) For the purposes of this section, “bait” means any material placed for the purpose of attracting or attempting to attract bears.
Laws 1995, c. 4, § 1; Laws 2003, c. 248, § 2, eff. June 6, 2003; Laws 2007, c. 675, §§ 1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2008; Laws 2013, c. 376, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2014; Laws 2013, c. 376, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2014, operative Jan. 2, 2019.
(f) If the breeder holds a license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, the breeder's federal identification number.
Added by Laws 2009, c. 297, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(b) No later than one year after purchasing the dog from the pet dealer the purchaser has the dog examined by a veterinarian and the examination reveals that the dog has a congenital disorder that significantly limits the dog's quality of life.
(b) Had the dog examined by a veterinarian not more than 14 days prior to the date of sale and the examination did not disclose the disease or congenital disorder.
Added by Laws 2009, c. 297, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(a) “Boarding kennel” means a facility that provides care for a fee to dogs that stay at the facility an average of less than 30 days.
(b) “Dog” means a member of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris or a hybrid of that subspecies.
(c) “Litter” means one or more dogs, sold individually or together, that are all or part of a group of dogs born to the same mother at the same time.
(2) A person may not possess, control or otherwise have charge of at the same time more than 50 sexually intact dogs that are two years of age or older for the primary purpose of reproduction. It is prima facie evidence that a person possesses dogs for the primary purpose of reproduction if during a 12-month period the person sells, offers for sale, barters or exchanges more than three litters of dogs that are less than eight months of age.
(d) The disposition the person makes of each dog possessed by, controlled by or in the charge of the person, including the date of disposition, manner of disposition and the name and address information for any person taking possession, control or charge of a dog.
(4) A person shall retain a record required under subsection (3) of this section for a period of three years following the death of the dog or a date on which the person permanently ceased to have possession, control or charge of the dog.
(6) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. However, a court shall suspend sentence under this subsection for a violation of subsection (2) of this section if the person agrees to have a sufficient number of dogs spayed or neutered to remedy the violation.
Added by Laws 2009, c. 297, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(C) Allowing the dog to walk on a treadmill, jenny mill, slat mill or similar device, if use of the device is prescribed for the dog by a veterinarian to accommodate a specific medical condition.
(a) Provide each dog with sufficient space to turn about freely, stand and sit and to lie down without the head, face, tail, legs or feet of the dog touching the sides of the enclosure or touching any other dog.
(D) Is not stacked or otherwise placed above or below any other dog enclosure.
(c) Provide each dog that is more than four months of age with at least one hour of regular exercise each day, unless a veterinarian has certified that the dog is medically precluded from exercise.
(d) Remove waste and contaminants from the enclosure at least once each day.
(e) Remove the dog from the enclosure when cleaning the enclosure of waste and contaminants.
(C) The disposition the person makes of each dog possessed by, controlled by or in the charge of the person, including the date of disposition, manner of disposition and the name and address information for any person taking possession, control or charge of a dog.
(3) A person shall retain a record required under subsection (2) of this section for a period of three years following the death of the dog or a date on which the person permanently ceased to have possession, control or charge of the dog.
(5) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Added by Laws 2009, c. 297, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
(1) A person commits the offense of carrying a dog on the external part of a vehicle if the person carries a dog upon the hood, fender, running board or other external part of any automobile or truck that is upon a highway unless the dog is protected by framework, carrier or other device sufficient to keep it from falling from the vehicle.
(2) The offense described in this section, carrying dog on external part of vehicle, is a Class D traffic violation.
Laws 1983, c. 338, § 603; Laws 1995, c. 383, § 52.
(1) As used in this section, “law enforcement dog” means a dog that is sold or leased to a law enforcement agency and intended to be a law enforcement animal as defined in ORS 167.310.
(2) A seller or lessor of a law enforcement dog is not liable under ORS 30.920 for physical harm or damage to property caused by the law enforcement dog if the law enforcement agency to which the dog was sold or leased has begun or completed training the dog using a training program approved by the law enforcement agency or an accredited and recognized animal handling organization.
Added by Laws 2017, c. 258, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.
(2) This section does not prevent the owner of a dog that caused an injury from asserting that the dog was provoked, or from asserting any other defense that may be available to the owner.
(3) This section does not affect the requirements for an award of punitive damages provided in ORS 31.730 (1).
Added by Laws 2007, c. 402, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.

References: § 9
 § 1
 § 2
 § 4
 § 2
 § 663
 § 3
 § 664
 § 4
 § 665
 § 5
 § 1
 § 5
 § 666
 § 7
 § 2
 § 3
 § 667
 § 2
 § 668
 § 8
 § 3
 § 6
 § 1
 § 669
 § 9
 § 4
 § 6
 § 2
 § 34
 § 670
 § 47
 § 3
 § 12
 § 10
 § 11
 § 7
 § 4
 § 12
 § 8
 § 78
 § 22
 § 156
 § 31
 § 3
 § 1
 § 2
 § 16
 § 1
 § 1
 § 1
 § 9
 § 4
 § 1
 § 1
 § 5
 § 5
 § 248
 § 317
 § 2
 § 8
 § 6
 § 2
 § 7
 § 8
 § 18
 § 9
 § 15
 § 7
 § 16
 § 2
 § 2
 § 1
 § 1
 § 4
 § 10
 § 8
 § 1
 § 13
 § 280
 § 17
 § 2
 § 1
 § 155
 § 11
 § 238
 §8
 § 1
 § 2
 § 5
 § 11
 § 1
 § 11
 § 9
 § 7
 § 1
 § 6
 § 10
 § 4
 § 9
 § 20
 § 2
 § 3
 § 5
 § 6
 § 4
 § 8
 § 7
 § 9
 § 2
 § 7
 § 10
 § 8
 § 11
 § 23
 § 9
 § 12
 § 24
 § 3
 § 9
 § 2
 § 3
 § 1
 § 1
 § 4
 § 2
 § 2
 § 3
 § 4
 § 7
 § 5
 § 8
 § 7
 § 9
 § 6
 § 5
 § 17
 § 8
 § 9
 § 2
 § 10
 § 1
 § 11
 § 2
 § 5
 § 6
 § 7
 § 110
 § 1
 § 2
 § 990
 § 42
 § 44
 § 43
 § 15
 § 66
 § 20
 § 35
 § 48
 § 105
 § 54
 § 3
 § 1
 § 3
 § 2
 § 2
 § 3
 § 6
 § 13
 § 2
 § 11
 § 8
 § 249
 § 6
 § 8
 § 111
 § 250
 § 7
 § 1
 § 1
 § 881
 § 9
 § 18
 § 7
 § 2
 § 84
 § 85
 § 1
 § 2
 § 2
 § 3
 § 5
 § 4
 § 1
 § 2
 § 603
 § 52
 § 1
 § 1