Source: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Sumner/html/Sumner06/Sumner0604.html
Timestamp: 2018-09-20 11:21:46
Document Index: 748106896

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 7', '§ 8', '§ 9', '§ 10', '§ 5', '§ 11', '§ 6', '§ 12', '§ 13', '§ 14', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 15', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 17', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 19', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 20', '§ 8', '§ 1', '§ 8', '§ 24', '§ 1', '§ 9', '§ 20', '§ 10', '§ 20', '§ 11', '§ 20', '§ 21', '§ 12', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 26']

6.04.177 Tethering of an animal.
6.04.305 Habitual offender.
It is declared the public policy of the city to secure and maintain such levels of animal control as will protect human health and safety, and to the greatest degree practicable, prevent injury to property and cruelty to animal life. To this end, it is the purpose of this chapter to provide a means of licensing dogs, cats, animal shelters, hobby kennels, kennels and pet shops and controlling errant animal behavior so that it shall not become a public nuisance and to prevent cruelty to animals. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1340 § 1, 1986)
In construing the provisions of this chapter, except where otherwise plainly declared or clearly apparent from the context, words used in this chapter shall be given their common and ordinary meaning; in addition, the following definitions shall apply to each reference to the following words or phrases:
A. “Abandons” means the knowing or reckless desertion of an animal by its owner or the causing of the animal to be deserted by its owner, in any place, without making provisions for the animal’s adequate care, and includes, but is not limited to, arrest, involuntary or voluntary commitment, entrance to a medical or rehabilitation program, or other event causing the animal to be without care and/or shelter for the duration of the owner’s confinement.
Q. “Owner” means any person having a right, claim, title, legal share, or right of possession to an animal or a person having lawful control, custody, or possession of an animal, or who, by reason of the animal being seen residing consistently in a location owned or controlled by the person, is presumed to be the owner.
S. “Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, joint stock company, corporation, association, trust, estate or other legal entity, and agents of those entities.
U. “Potentially dangerous dog” means any dog that without provocation: (1) inflicts bites on a human, domestic animal, or livestock either on public or private property; or (2) chases or approaches a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds or private property in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; or (3) any dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked or to cause injury or otherwise to threaten the safety of humans, domestic animals, or livestock on any public or private property.
V. “Dangerous dog” means any dog that: (1) inflicts severe injury on or kills a human being without provocation, or (2) inflicts severe injury on or kills an animal without provocation while the animal inflicting the injury is off the property where its owner resides, or (3) has been previously found to be potentially dangerous, the owner having received notice of such, and the animal again aggressively bites, attacks or endangers the safety of humans or other animals. Any dog which inflicts injury to a human or animal while trespassing on the property of another is the presumed provoker, unless such presumption is overcome by the preponderance of the evidence.
Z. “Under control” means the animal is under control and restrained from approaching any bystander or other animal and from causing or being the cause of physical property damage when off the premises of the owner.
FF. “Severe injury” means any physical injury which results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.
GG. “Provocation” means any threatening or aggressive act that would reasonably incite or stimulate a dog to react in self-defense, including, but not limited to, inciting movements, aggressive tones, and offensive touching.
HH. “Tether” means (1) to restrain an animal by tying or securing the animal to any object or structure; and (2) a device, including, but not limited to, a chain, rope, cable, cord, tie-out, pulley, or trolley system for restraining an animal.
II. “Dog” means an animal of the species Canis lupus familiaris.
JJ. “Necessary shelter” means a structure sufficient to protect a dog from wind, rain, snow, cold, heat, or sun that has bedding to permit a dog to remain dry and reasonably clean and maintain a normal body temperature.
KK. “Necessary water” means water that is in sufficient quantity and of appropriate quality for the species for which it is intended and that is accessible to the animal or as directed by a veterinarian for medical reasons. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2541 § 1, 2015; Ord. 2405 § 1, 2012: Ord. 2324 § 1, 2010: Ord. 2281 § 1, 2008: Ord. 1901 § 1, 1999: Ord. 1760 § 1, 1996; Ord. 1340 § 2, 1986)
A. License Requirements. All dogs and cats seven months of age or older which are harbored, kept or maintained in the city shall be licensed by the city annually on a schedule established by the animal control authority; provided, however, that dogs kept in kennels need not be licensed as provided in SMC 6.04.040; provided further, that this section shall not apply to dogs used by the police department for police work. No more than five dogs and/or cats may be individually licensed by a residence or to an owner in the city of Sumner.
B. Fees. Dog and cat licenses shall be issued by the animal control authority upon application and payment of an annual license fee made payable to Metro Animal Services. The fee for each animal license shall be as set forth in the following schedule of fees and is subject to change. Applications for a dog or cat license shall be on forms provided by the animal control authority. No prorating of a license fee for a portion of the calendar year shall be made. Every dog or cat kept within the city limits shall be provided by its owner with a collar or harness made of leather, metal or other substantial material, which shall be worn by such dog or cat at all times when off the premises of the licensed owner and to which the license tag provided shall be securely fastened.
D. Owner Euthanasia Fee. Fee charged to an owner who surrenders their animal to animal control for euthanization.
E. Boarding Fee. Fee charged to an owner for costs associated with boarding an animal that has been impounded or taken into protective custody including the first and last day that the animal is retained by the impounding authority even where the animal is in custody for less than a full day.
C. License Revocation. If the animal control authority has reason to believe by a preponderance of the evidence that a dog license was issued to a dog that has been designated a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog in any jurisdiction, the license shall be revoked with the provisions of chapter 6.10 SMC taking effect.
D. Penalty. Any person who fails to obtain a license within 30 days after the license expiration date but before 60 days of the expiration date shall pay a penalty of $10.00 per license. Any person who fails to obtain a license within 60 days of the license expiration date shall pay a penalty of $20.00 per license. No late payment penalty shall be charged on new license applications if:
E. Nonapplicability. Provisions of this section shall not apply to dogs or cats in the custody of a veterinarian or animal shelter, a service animal, or whose owners are nonresidents temporarily within the city for a period not exceeding 30 days. Dogs and cats are exempt from the above licensing provisions when they are in the custody of a recognized animal rescue group. In order to qualify as a recognized group, proof of registration with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to IRC 501(c)(3) must be submitted to the Humane Society by the group. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2541 § 2, 2015: Ord. 2500 § 1, 2014; Ord. 2405 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2344 § 1, 2010; Ord. 2324 § 2, 2010; Ord. 2281 § 2, 2008; Ord. 2257 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 1901 § 2, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 3, 1986)
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any animal shelter or kennel within the city of Sumner without first obtaining a valid and subsisting license therefor. The fee for such license shall be set forth in SMC 6.04.030. Each license and certificate of inspection issued pursuant to this chapter shall be conspicuously displayed at the establishment to which such license was issued. The license shall be dated and numbered and shall bear the name of the city and the name and address of the owner or keeper of the establishment, and the expiration date of the license. The license shall run for a period of one year from the date of purchase. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1901 § 3, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 4, 1986)
A. Zoning Compliance. The applicant for an original animal shelter or kennel license shall, prior to issuance of the animal shelter or kennel license, present to the animal control authority evidence of approval from the city of Sumner planning commission and the Sumner city council.
B. Health Inspection. Before an animal shelter or kennel license may be issued by the animal control authority, a certificate of inspection from the animal control authority must be issued showing that the animal shelter, kennel, or pet shop is in compliance with hygienic standards of this chapter or other applicable chapters or regulations. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1340 § 5, 1986)
6. Each animal in the hobby kennel shall have current and proper immunization from disease according to the animal’s species and age. For dogs such shall consist, as a minimum, of DHL inoculation for dogs over three months of age and rabies inoculations for those over six months of age. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1901 § 4, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 6, 1986)
C. Unsanitary Conditions Unlawful. It is unlawful to keep, use or maintain within the city any animal shelter, kennel or pet shop that is unsanitary, nauseous, foul or offensive, or in any way detrimental to public health and/or safety and not in compliance therewith. Failure to comply with this section may be cause for revocation or denial of a license to use, keep or maintain such animal shelter, kennel or pet shop. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2324 § 3, 2010; Ord. 1340 § 7, 1986)
J. No person shall misrepresent an animal or bird to a consumer in any way. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1340 § 8, 1986)
F. Conform with all applicable development standards of the city zoning code. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1340 § 9, 1986)
D. Conform with all applicable development standards of the city zoning code. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1340 § 10, 1986)
It is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain any grooming parlor without first obtaining a valid and subsisting license therefor. The fee for such license shall be as set forth in SMC 6.04.030. However, if the grooming parlor is operated as a part of the business of a kennel, or a pet shop, the fee shall be in addition to the fee established for a kennel or pet shop license. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1901 § 5, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 11, 1986)
L. Comply with all applicable development standards of the city zoning code. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1901 § 6, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 12, 1986)
The director is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations not in conflict with this chapter as they pertain to the conditions and operations of animal shelters, hobby kennels, kennels, pet shops, and grooming parlors, guard dog purveyors, guard dog trainers and guard dog owners. Such rules and regulations shall be enacted in accordance with city procedures for adopting such rules and regulations. The animal control authority may, in addition to other penalties provided in this chapter, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew any animal shelter, hobby kennel, kennel, grooming parlor, pet shop, guard dog purveyor, guard dog trainer license or guard dog registration upon good cause or for failure to comply with any provision of this chapter. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1340 § 13, 1986)
No applicant shall be issued an animal shelter, hobby kennel, kennel, grooming parlor, guard dog purveyor, guard dog trainer license or guard dog registration who has previously had such license or registration revoked or a renewal refused, for a period of one year after the date of revocation or refusal and until such applicant meets the requirements contained herein to the satisfaction of the animal control authority. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1340 § 14, 1986)
B. Animals (excluding household pets, such as dogs and cats), particularly horses, mules, rabbits, bovine animals, lambs, goats, sheep, birds, hogs, chickens or other animals made to be domestic, being kept in any districts which do not comply with the existing zoning regulations;
H. Any domesticated animal which habitually snaps, growls, snarls, jumps upon or otherwise threatens persons lawfully using the public sidewalks, streets, alleys, or other public ways and city-owned properties;
M. Animals on any public property not under control by their owner or other competent person by a leash. This section shall not apply to a service animal if a leash would interfere with the service animal’s work or the nature of the owner’s or keeper’s disability prevents use of a leash;
N. Animals kept, harbored, or maintained and known to have a contagious disease unless under the treatment of a licensed veterinarian;
O. Animals running in packs. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2405 § 3, 2012: Ord. 1760 § 2, 1996; Ord. 1340 § 15, 1986)
C. In cases where a dog or cat has bitten a person or caused an abrasion of the skin, the animal shall be quarantined for a period of no less than 10 days. The purpose of the quarantine is to ensure no adverse health problems with the animal are detected. The quarantine may be completed at the owner’s home, veterinary clinic or animal shelter as determined by the investigating law enforcement officer or animal control officer. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2405 § 4, 2012)
D. In any prosecution of animal cruelty under subsection (A) or (B)(1) of this section, it shall be an affirmative defense, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant’s failure was due to economic distress beyond the defendant’s control. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2324 § 5, 2010: Ord. 1340 § 17, 1986)
It is unlawful for an owner or person to confine any animal in a motor vehicle in such a manner that places it in a life- or health-threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold. In order to protect the health and safety of such animal, an animal control officer or law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that this section is being violated shall have the authority to enter such motor vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances, after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2324 § 6, 2010)
1. It is unlawful to restrain outside or tether a dog as follows, except for a period of time that is not reckless and is otherwise in compliance with this section:
a. If the dog is tethered in a manner that causes the dog injury or pain;
b. If the dog is tethered in a manner that results, or could reasonably result, in the dog becoming frequently entangled on the restraint or another object;
c. If there are multiple dogs tethered, and each dog is not on a separate tether and not secured to a separate fixed point;
d. With a tether that does not allow the dog to sit, lie down, and stand comfortably without the restraint becoming taut and that does not allow the dog a range of movement;
e. If the dog is ill, suffering from a debilitating disease, injured, in distress, in the advanced stages of pregnancy, or under six months of age;
f. If the dog does not have access to clean water and necessary shelter that is safe and protective, and constructed or attached in such a way that the dog cannot knock over the shelter or water vessel while tethered;
g. If the dog is tethered in a manner that results in the dog being left in unsafe or unsanitary conditions or that forces the dog to stand, sit, or lie down in its own excrement or urine;
h. If the dog is tethered by means of a choke, pinch, slip, halter, or prong-type collar, or by any means other than with a properly fitted buckle-type collar or harness that provides enough room between the collar or harness and the dog’s throat to allow normal breathing and swallowing; and
i. If the weight of the tether unreasonably inhibits the free movement of the dog within the area allowed by the length of the tether.
2. It shall constitute an exception to subsections (A)(1)(b) through (e) of this section only if:
a. The dog is tethered while it is receiving medical care or treatment under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or is being groomed;
b. The dog is tethered while participating temporarily in an exhibition, show, contest, or other event in which the skill, breeding, or stamina of the dog is judged or examined;
c. The dog is being kept temporarily at a camping or recreation area;
d. The dog is being cared for temporarily after having been picked up as a stray or as part of a rescue operation;
e. The dog is being transported in a motor vehicle or temporarily restrained or tied after being unloaded from a motor vehicle;
f. The dog is being trained or used by a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency or military or national guard unit; or
g. The dog is in the physical presence of the owner or person who keeps or controls the dog.
B. Penalty. Each incident involving a violation of this section is a separate offense. Any owner who violates this section is subject to the following penalties:
1. A first offense shall result in a correction warning being issued requiring the offense to be corrected by the owner, or person who keeps or controls the dog, within seven days after the date of the warning being issued in lieu of an infraction unless the offense poses an imminent risk to the health or safety of the dog or the dog has been injured as a result of the offense.
2. A second offense is a class 2 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120(1)(b) and shall be subject to the maximum penalty allowed thereunder and as hereinafter amended.
3. A third or subsequent offense is a class 1 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120(1)(a) and shall be subject to the maximum penalty allowed thereunder and as hereinafter amended. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017)
C. No person shall deny, prevent, obstruct or attempt to deny, prevent or obstruct an animal control officer or law enforcement officer from pursuing any animal observed to be in violation of this chapter. Further, no person shall fail or neglect, after a proper warrant has been presented, to promptly permit the director or the authorized animal control officer to enter private property to perform any duty imposed by this chapter. Any person in violating this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1760 § 3, 1996; Ord. 1340 § 19, 1986)
The director and his/her authorized representative may impound any animals found doing any of the acts defined as a public nuisance, found abandoned, and/or being subjected to cruel treatment as defined by law and herein. After such animals are impounded, the animal control authority shall ascertain whether the animal is licensed or otherwise identifiable and, if reasonably possible, return the animal to the owner together with a notice of violation of this chapter, and if it is not reasonably possible to immediately return the animal to its owner, or if the owner cannot be identified or located, the animal control authority shall notify the owner within five business days by certified mail to the owner’s last known address or telephone that the animal has been impounded and may be redeemed. Any animal impounded pursuant to this chapter shall be held for the owner at least 72 hours after receipt of notification by certified mail or by telephone from the impounding agency. Notice via certified mail to owner’s last known address is deemed received three days after mailing by the animal control authority. See SMC 6.04.030 for impound fees. Any animal suffering from serious injury or disease may be humanely destroyed, or, at the discretion of the impounding authority, may be held for a longer period and redeemed by any person on payment of charges not exceeding those prescribed herein. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2257 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 1901 § 7, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 20(A), 1986)
The owner of any animal impounded pursuant to the provisions of SMC 6.04.200 may redeem it within 72 hours from the time of impounding, upon payment of the fees and costs set forth in SMC 6.04.030. Any such animal not redeemed within 72 hours after being impounded shall be deemed abandoned and may be humanely destroyed or adopted at the discretion of the impounding authority; provided, however, any animal so impounded less than two months of age may be humanely destroyed or adopted at any time after impounding. Livestock not redeemed may be sold at public auction by the impounding agency. The boarding cost for livestock impounded not boarded at the shelter shall be paid by the owner to the boarding facility/stockyard. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2324 § 8, 2010: Ord. 2257 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 1901 § 8, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 24, 1986)
C. Exception. The deposit shall not be required if the owner or other person redeeming the animal provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian that the spay, neuter or microchip installation procedure would be harmful to the animal. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2257 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 1901 § 9, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 20(B), 1986)
The city council is empowered to conduct inspections of facilities receiving animals to insure that animals are treated humanely. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1901 § 10, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 20(C), 1986)
Feral cats and dogs can spread disease in the animal shelter. As a result, any cat or dog impounded that is determined by the animal control officer to be feral will be separated from the other animal(s) in the shelter and will be humanely destroyed as soon as possible. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1901 § 11, 1999: Ord. 1340 § 20(D), 1986)
Notwithstanding the existence or use of any other remedy, the director may seek legal or equitable relief to enjoin acts or practices and abate any conditions which constitute a violation of this chapter, or other regulations adopted in this chapter. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 1340 § 21, 1986)
B. Any person violating any of the remaining provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by imprisonment in jail not to exceed 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment; provided, that any person who shall violate the provisions of SMC 6.04.030(A) or 6.04.150(A), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (K), (L), (M), and (O) shall be deemed to have committed an infraction and shall be punished by a maximum penalty of $250.00. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017: Ord. 2324 § 12, 2010: Ord. 2281 § 3 (part), 2008; Ord. 1760 § 4, 1996: Ord. 1340 § 26(A), 1986. Formerly 6.04.310.)
Any person who, after receiving two or more convictions, singularly or in combination, of crimes relating to animals within a 10-year period, or any combination of two findings of potentially dangerous and/or dangerous animals within 10 years, or any four infractions, singularly or in combination, found to be committed in any municipal or district court within a five-year period may be designated as a “habitual violator” by the director and shall be prohibited from owning animals for a period of not less than 10 years. A violation of this prohibition shall be a gross misdemeanor, punished by a maximum penalty of a fine not to exceed $5,000, or by imprisonment in jail not to exceed 364 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 2613 (part), 2017)