reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.08 - Dogs. › 16.08.110 - Breed-based regulations.

RCW 16.08.110
Breed-based regulations.
(1) A city or county may not prohibit the possession of a dog based upon its breed, impose requirements specific to possession of a dog based upon its breed, or declare a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous based on its breed unless all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The city or county has established and maintains a reasonable process for exempting any dog from breed-based regulations or a breed ban if the dog passes the American kennel club canine good citizen test or a reasonably equivalent canine behavioral test as determined by the city or county;
(b) Dogs that pass the American kennel club canine good citizen test or a reasonably equivalent canine behavioral test are exempt from breed-based regulations for a period of at least two years;
(c) Dogs that pass the American kennel club canine good citizen test or a reasonably equivalent canine behavioral test are given the opportunity to retest to maintain their exemption from breed-based regulations; and
(d) Dogs that fail the American kennel club canine good citizen test or a reasonably equivalent canine behavioral test are given the opportunity to retest within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the city or county.
(2) This section does not apply to the act of documenting either a dog's breed or its physical appearance, or both, solely for identification purposes when declaring a dog dangerous or potentially dangerous.
(3) For the purpose of this section, "dog" means a domesticated member of the family canidae, specifically species Canus lupus familiaris, and excludes nondomesticated members of the family canidae and any hybrids thereof, including but not limited to wolves, coyotes, wolf-dog hybrids, and coyote-dog hybrids.
[ 2019 c 199 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 199: "(1) A number of local jurisdictions have enacted ordinances prohibiting or placing additional restrictions on specific breeds of dogs. While the legislature recognizes that local jurisdictions have a valid public safety interest in protecting citizens from dog attacks, the legislature finds that a dog's breed is not inherently indicative of whether or not a dog is dangerous and that the criteria for determining whether or not a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous should be focused on the dog's behavior.
(2) The legislature further finds that breed-specific ordinances fail to address the factors that cause dogs to become aggressive and place an undue hardship on responsible dog owners who provide proper socialization and training. The legislature intends to encourage local jurisdictions to more effectively and fairly control dangerous dogs and enhance public safety by focusing on dogs' behavior rather than their breeds." [ 2019 c 199 § 1.]
Effective date—2019 c 199: "This act takes effect January 1, 2020." [ 2019 c 199 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.10 - Dogs—Licensing—Dog Control Zones. › 16.10.020 - Dog control zones—Determination of need by county commissioners.

RCW 16.10.020
Dog control zones—Determination of need by county commissioners.
County commissioners may, if the situation so requires, establish dog control zones within high-density population districts, or other specified areas, of a county outside the corporate limits of any city, and outside the corporate limits of any organized township. For such zones, licensing regulations may be established which shall not necessarily be operative in sparsely settled rural districts, or in other portions of the county where they may not be needed. In determining the need for such zones, and in drawing their boundaries, county commissioners shall take into consideration the following factors:
(1) The density of population in the area proposed to be zoned;
(2) Zoning regulations, if any, in force in the area proposed to be zoned;
(3) The public health, safety and welfare within the area proposed to be zoned.
If the commissioners shall find that the area proposed to be zoned is heavily populated, or that the purposes for which the land is being used therein require that dogs be controlled, or that the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the area require such control, they may propose the establishment of a dog control zone.
[ 1969 c 72 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.10 - Dogs—Licensing—Dog Control Zones. › 16.10.030 - Dog control zones—Public hearing, publication of notice.

RCW 16.10.030
Dog control zones—Public hearing, publication of notice.
In determining whether a dog control zone should be established, the county commissioners shall call a public hearing, notice of which shall be published once a week for each of four consecutive weeks prior thereto in a newspaper of general circulation within the proposed zone. At such a hearing, proponents and opponents of the proposed dog control zone may appear and present their views. The final decision of the commissioners with respect to the establishment of such a zone shall not be made until the conclusion of the hearing.
[ 1969 c 72 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.10 - Dogs—Licensing—Dog Control Zones. › 16.10.040 - Dog control zones—Regulations—License fees, collection, disposition.

RCW 16.10.040
Dog control zones—Regulations—License fees, collection, disposition.
The county commissioners shall by ordinance promulgate the regulations to be enforced within a dog control zone. These shall include provisions for the control of unlicensed dogs and the establishment of license fees. The county sheriff and/or other agencies designated by the county commissioners shall be responsible for the enforcement of the act, including the collection of license fees. Fees collected shall be transferred to the current expense fund of each county.
[ 1969 c 72 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.010 - Restricted areas—Range areas.

RCW 16.24.010
Restricted areas—Range areas.
The county legislative authority of any county of this state shall have the power to designate by an order made and published, as provided in RCW 16.24.030, certain territory as stock restricted area within such county in which it shall be unlawful to permit livestock of any kind to run at large. No territory so designated shall be less than two square miles in area. RCW 16.24.010 through 16.24.065 shall not affect counties having adopted township organization. All territory not so designated shall be range area, in which it shall be lawful to permit cattle, horses, mules, or donkeys to run at large: PROVIDED, That the county legislative authority may designate areas where it shall be unlawful to permit any livestock other than cattle to run at large.
[ 1989 c 286 § 4; 1937 c 40 § 1; 1911 c 25 § 1; RRS § 3068. Prior: 1907 c 230 § 1; 1905 c 91 § 1; R & B § 3166.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.020 - Hearing—Notice.

RCW 16.24.020
Hearing—Notice.
*Within sixty days after the taking effect of RCW 16.24.010 through 16.24.065, the county legislative authority of each of the several counties of the state may make an order fixing a time and place when a hearing will be had, notice of which shall be published at least once each week for two successive weeks in some newspaper having a general circulation within the county. It shall be the duty of the county legislative authority at the time fixed for such hearing, or at the time to which such hearing may be adjourned, to hear all persons interested in the establishment of range areas or stock restricted areas as defined in RCW 16.24.010 through 16.24.065.
[ 1989 c 286 § 5; 1937 c 40 § 2; 1923 c 33 § 1; 1911 c 25 § 2; RRS § 3069.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 16.24.010 through 16.24.065 took effect March 1, 1937.
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.030 - Order establishing area—Publication.

RCW 16.24.030
Order establishing area—Publication.
Within thirty days after the conclusion of any such hearing the county legislative authority shall make an order describing the stock restricted areas within the county where livestock may not run at large, which order shall be entered upon the records of the county and published in a newspaper having general circulation in such county at least once each week for four successive weeks.
[ 1989 c 286 § 6; 1937 c 40 § 3; 1923 c 33 § 2; 1911 c 25 § 3; RRS § 3070.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.040 - Penalty.

RCW 16.24.040
Penalty.
Any person, or any agent, employee or representative of a corporation, violating any of the provisions of such order after the same shall have been published or posted as provided in RCW 16.24.030 or, violating any provision of this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1975 c 38 § 1; 1911 c 25 § 4; RRS § 3071.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.050 - Change of boundaries.

RCW 16.24.050
Change of boundaries.
When the county legislative authority of any county deem[s] it advisable to change the boundary or boundaries of any stock restricted area, a hearing shall be held in the same manner as provided in RCW 16.24.020. If the county legislative authority decides to change the boundary or boundaries of any stock restricted area or areas, it shall within thirty days after the conclusion of such hearing make an order describing said change or changes. Such order shall be entered upon the records of the county and published in a newspaper having general circulation in such county once each week for four successive weeks.
[ 1989 c 286 § 7; 1937 c 40 § 4; 1923 c 93 § 1; RRS § 3070-1.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.060 - Road signs in range areas.

RCW 16.24.060
Road signs in range areas.
At the point where a public road enters a range area, and at such other points thereon within such area as the county legislative authority shall designate, there shall be erected a road sign bearing the words: "RANGE AREA. WATCH OUT FOR LIVESTOCK."
[ 1989 c 286 § 8; 1937 c 40 § 5; RRS § 3070-2.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.065 - Stock at large in restricted areas—Running at large on state or federal land.

RCW 16.24.065
Stock at large in restricted areas—Running at large on state or federal land.
(1) No person owning or in control of any livestock shall willfully or negligently allow such livestock to run at large in any stock restricted area or to wander or stray upon the right-of-way of any public highway lying within a stock restricted area when not in the charge of some person.
(2) Livestock may run at large upon lands belonging to the state of Washington or the United States only when the owner of the livestock has been granted grazing privileges in writing.
[ 1989 c 286 § 9; 1985 c 415 § 20; 1937 c 40 § 6; RRS § 3070-3. Formerly RCW 16.24.070, part.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.070 - Stock on highway right-of-way—Limitations.

RCW 16.24.070
Stock on highway right-of-way—Limitations.
It shall be unlawful for any person to herd or move any livestock over, along or across the right-of-way of any public highway, or portion thereof, within any stock restricted area, without having in attendance a sufficient number of persons to control the movement of such livestock and to warn or otherwise protect vehicles traveling upon such public highway from any danger by reason of such livestock being herded or moved thereon.
[ 1989 c 286 § 10; 1937 c 189 § 127; RRS § 6360-127, part. Prior: 1927 c 309 § 41, part; RRS § 6362-41, part. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1937 c 40 § 6; RRS § 3070-3, now codified as RCW 16.24.065. Formerly RCW 16.24.070 and 16.24.080.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.090 - Animals at large—Limitations—Defense.

RCW 16.24.090
Animals at large—Limitations—Defense.
Except as provided in chapter 16.24 RCW, a person who owns or has possession, charge, or control of horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, goats, sheep or swine shall not negligently allow them to run at large at any time or within any territory. It shall not be necessary for any person to fence against such animals, and it shall be no defense to any action or proceedings brought pursuant to this chapter or chapter 16.04 RCW that the party injured by or restraining such animals did not have his or her lands enclosed by a lawful fence: PROVIDED, That such animals may be driven upon the highways while in charge of sufficient attendants.
[ 1989 c 286 § 14; 1911 c 25 § 5; RRS § 3072. Formerly RCW 16.12.010, part.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.100 - Prosecution—Proof of ownership.

RCW 16.24.100
Prosecution—Proof of ownership.
In any prosecution under chapter 16.24 RCW proof that the animal running at large is branded with the registered or known brand of the defendant shall be prima facie evidence that the defendant is the owner of said animal.
[ 1989 c 286 § 3; 1895 c 124 § 2; RRS § 3086. Formerly RCW 16.16.020.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.110 - Public nuisance—Impounding.

RCW 16.24.110
Public nuisance—Impounding.
Any horses, mules, donkeys, or cattle of any age running at large or trespassing in violation of chapter 16.24 RCW as now or hereafter amended, which are not restrained as provided by RCW 16.04.010, are declared to be a public nuisance. The sheriff of the county where found and the nearest brand inspector shall have authority to impound such animals which are not restrained as provided by RCW 16.04.010.
[ 1989 c 286 § 11; 1985 c 415 § 16; 1979 c 154 § 6; 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 § 14; 1951 c 31 § 2. Formerly RCW 16.13.020.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.120 - Impounding—Procedure.

RCW 16.24.120
Impounding—Procedure.
Upon taking possession of any livestock at large contrary to the provisions of this chapter, or any unclaimed livestock submitted or impounded, by any person, at any public livestock market or any other facility approved by the director, the sheriff or brand inspector shall cause it to be transported to and impounded at the nearest public livestock market licensed under chapter 16.65 RCW or at such place as approved by the director. If the sheriff has impounded an animal in accordance with this section, he or she shall forthwith notify the nearest brand inspector of the department of agriculture, who shall examine the animal and, by brand, tattoo, or other identifying characteristic, shall attempt to ascertain the ownership thereof.
[ 2012 c 25 § 5. Prior: 2011 c 336 § 419; 2011 c 103 § 11; 1989 c 286 § 12; 1979 c 154 § 7; 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 § 15; 1951 c 31 § 3. Formerly RCW 16.13.030.]
NOTES:
Purpose—2011 c 103: See note following RCW 15.26.120.
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.130 - Impounding—Notice—Copy to owner.

RCW 16.24.130
Impounding—Notice—Copy to owner.
The brand inspector shall cause to be published once in a newspaper published in the county where the animal was found, a notice of the impounding.
The notice shall state:
(1) A description of the animal, including brand, tattoo or other identifying characteristics;
(2) When and where found;
(3) Where impounded; and
(4) That if unclaimed, the animal will be sold at a public livestock market sale or other public sale, and the date of such sale: PROVIDED, That if no newspaper shall be published in such county, copies of the notice shall be posted at four commonly frequented places therein.
If the animal is marked with a brand or tattoo which is registered with the director of agriculture, the brand inspector, on or before the date of publication or posting, shall send a copy of the notice to the owner of record by registered mail.
[ 1995 c 374 § 69; 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 § 16; 1951 c 31 § 4. Formerly RCW 16.13.040.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1995 c 374 §§ 69, 70, and 72-79: "Sections 69, 70, and 72 through 79 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [May 16, 1995]." [ 1995 c 374 § 82.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.140 - Impounding—Owner to pay costs.

RCW 16.24.140
Impounding—Owner to pay costs.
Upon claiming any animal impounded under this chapter, the owner shall pay all costs of transportation, advertising, legal proceedings, and keep of the animal, except as provided under RCW 16.04.100.
[ 1994 c 263 § 2; 1989 c 286 § 13; 1951 c 31 § 5. Formerly RCW 16.13.050.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.150 - Sale of impounded animal—Retroactive effect.

RCW 16.24.150
Sale of impounded animal—Retroactive effect.
If no person shall claim the animal within ten days after the date of publication or posting of the notice, it shall be sold at the next succeeding public livestock market sale to be held at the sales yard where impounded, provided that in the director's discretion the department of agriculture may otherwise cause the animal to be sold at public sale.
The legislature intends this to be a clarification of existing law; therefore, this section shall have retroactive effect as of December 1, 1994.
[ 1995 c 374 § 70; 1975 1st ex.s. c 7 § 17; 1951 c 31 § 6. Formerly RCW 16.13.060.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1995 c 374 §§ 69, 70, and 72-79: See note following RCW 16.24.130.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.160 - Conduct of sale—Disposition of proceeds.

RCW 16.24.160
Conduct of sale—Disposition of proceeds.
The proceeds of the sale of animals impounded under this chapter, after deducting the costs of sale, shall be impounded in the estray fund of the department of agriculture, and if no valid claim is made within one year from the date of sale, the director of the department of agriculture shall transfer the proceeds of sale to the brand fund of the department to be used for the enforcement of this chapter.
[ 1985 c 415 § 17; 1951 c 31 § 7. Formerly RCW 16.13.070.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.170 - Purchase of animal, restrictions.

RCW 16.24.170
Purchase of animal, restrictions.
No law enforcement officer shall, directly or indirectly, purchase any animal sold under the provisions of this chapter, or any interest therein.
[ 1951 c 31 § 8. Formerly RCW 16.13.080.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.180 - Castration or gelding of stock at large.

RCW 16.24.180
Castration or gelding of stock at large.
It shall be lawful for any person having cows or heifers running at large in this state to take up or capture and castrate, at the risk of the owner, at any time between the first day of March and the fifteenth day of May, any bull above the age of ten months found running at large out of the enclosed grounds of the owner or keeper. It shall be lawful for any person to take up or capture and geld, at the risk of the owner, between April 1st and September 30th of any year, any stud horse or jackass or any male mule above the age of eighteen months found running at large out of the enclosed grounds of the owner or keeper. If the said animal shall die, as a result of such castration, the owner shall have no recourse against the person who shall have taken up or captured and castrated, or caused to be castrated, the said animal: PROVIDED, Such act of castration shall have been skillfully done by a person accustomed to doing the same: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That if the person so taking up or capturing such animal, or causing it to be so taken up or captured, shall know the owner or keeper of such animal, and shall know that said animal is being kept for breeding purposes, it shall be his or her duty forthwith to notify such owner or keeper of the taking up of said animal, and if such owner or keeper shall not within two days after being so notified pay for the reasonable costs of keeping of said animal, and take and safely keep said animal thereafter within his or her own enclosures, then it shall be lawful for the taker-up of said animal to castrate the same, and the owner thereof shall pay a reasonable sum for such act of castration, if done skillfully, as hereinbefore required, and shall also pay for the keeping of said animal as above provided, and the amount for which he or she may be liable therefor may be recovered in an action at law in any court having jurisdiction thereof: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That if said animal should be found running at large a third time within the same year, and within the prohibited dates hereinbefore mentioned, it shall be lawful for any person to capture and castrate the animal without giving any notice to the owner or keeper whatever. For purposes of this section, geld and castrate shall have the same meaning.
[ 2011 c 336 § 420; 1989 c 286 § 15; 1965 c 66 § 4; 1890 p 453 § 1; RRS § 3081. Formerly RCW 16.20.010.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.190 - Bull breed restrictions.

RCW 16.24.190
Bull breed restrictions.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation to turn upon or allow to run at large on any range area in this state any bull other than a registered bull of a recognized beef breed. All persons running cattle in common on any range area may, however, agree to run any purebred or crossbred bull of any breed, registered or unregistered, as they may deem appropriate for their area.
[ 1986 c 177 § 1; 1985 c 415 § 18; 1917 c 111 § 1; RRS § 3082. Formerly RCW 16.20.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.200 - Bull ratio restrictions.

RCW 16.24.200
Bull ratio restrictions.
Before any person, firm, association or corporation turns upon a range area in this state any female cattle of breeding age of more than fifteen in number, they shall procure and turn with said female breeding cattle one registered bull of recognized beef breed for every forty females or fraction thereof of twenty-five or over. All persons running cattle in common on any range area may, however, agree to any other proportion of bulls to female cattle of breeding age as they may deem appropriate for their area.
[ 1986 c 177 § 2; 1917 c 111 § 2; RRS § 3083. Formerly RCW 16.20.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.210 - Bull breed and ratio restrictions not applicable to counties west of Cascades.

RCW 16.24.210
Bull breed and ratio restrictions not applicable to counties west of Cascades.
RCW 16.24.190 and 16.24.200 shall not apply to counties lying west of the summit of the Cascade mountains.
[ 1989 c 286 § 17; 1985 c 415 § 19. Formerly RCW 16.20.035.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.220 - Separating estrays from herd.

RCW 16.24.220
Separating estrays from herd.
It shall be the duty of any and all persons searching or hunting for stray horses, mules or cattle, to drive the band or herd in which they may find their stray horses, mules or cattle, into the nearest corral before separating their said stray animals from the balance of the herd or band; that in order to separate their said stray animals from the herd or band, the person or persons owning said stray shall drive them out of and away from the corral in which they may be driven before setting the herd at large.
[ 1989 c 286 § 16; 1987 c 202 § 181; 1969 ex.s. c 199 § 14; Code 1881 § 2537; RRS § 3050. Prior: 1869 pp 408, 409 §§ 1, 2. Formerly RCW 16.28.160.]
NOTES:
Severability—1989 c 286: See note following RCW 16.04.010.
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.24 - Stock Restricted Areas. › 16.24.230 - Moving another's livestock from range.

RCW 16.24.230
Moving another's livestock from range.
No person shall remove any livestock belonging to another from the range on which they are permitted to run at large, without the prior consent of the owner thereof. The owner of any livestock may move his or her own livestock, together with such other livestock as cannot be separated from his or her own, to the nearest corral, or other facility in order to separate his or her own livestock, if the other livestock are returned to the same location from which they were moved within twenty-four hours.
[ 1985 c 415 § 21; 1891 c 12 § 1; RRS § 3048. Formerly RCW 16.28.170, part. Formerly RCW 16.28.165.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.30 - Dangerous Wild Animals. › 16.30.010 - Definitions.

RCW 16.30.010
Definitions.
(1) "Animal control authority" means an entity acting alone or in concert with other local governmental units for enforcement of the animal control laws of the city, county, and state and the shelter and welfare of animals.
(2) "Potentially dangerous wild animal" means one of the following types of animals, whether bred in the wild or in captivity, and any or all hybrids thereof:
(a) Class mammalia
(i) Order carnivora
(A) Family felidae, only lions, tigers, captive-bred cougars, jaguars, cheetahs, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards;
(B) Family canidae, wolves, excluding wolf-hybrids;
(C) Family ursidae, all bears;
(D) Family hyaenidae, such as hyenas;
(ii) Order perissodactyla, only rhinoceroses;
(iii) Order primates, all nonhuman primate species;
(iv) Order proboscidae, all elephants [elephant] species;
(b) Class reptilia
(i) Order squamata
(A) Family atractaspidae, all species;
(B) Family colubridae, only dispholidus typus;
(C) Family elapidae, all species, such as cobras, mambas, kraits, coral snakes, and Australian tiger snakes;
(D) Family hydrophiidae, all species, such as sea snakes;
(E) Family varanidae, only water monitors and crocodile monitors;
(F) Family viperidae, all species, such as rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, bushmasters, puff adders, and gaboon vipers;
(ii) Order crocodilia, all species, such as crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gavials.
(3) "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, organization, trade or professional association, firm, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, estate, or any other legal entity, and any officer, member, shareholder, director, employee, agent, or representative thereof.
(4) "Possessor" means any person who owns, possesses, keeps, harbors, brings into the state, or has custody or control of a potentially dangerous wild animal.
(5) "Wildlife sanctuary" means a nonprofit organization, as described in RCW 84.36.800, that cares for animals defined as potentially dangerous and:
(a) No activity that is not inherent to the animal's nature, natural conduct, or the animal in its natural habitat is conducted;
(b) No commercial activity involving an animal occurs including, but not limited to, the sale of or trade in animals, animal parts, animal by-products, or animal offspring, or the sale of photographic opportunities involving an animal, or the use of an animal for any type of entertainment purpose;
(c) No unescorted public visitations or direct contact between the public and an animal; or
(d) No breeding of animals occurs in the facility.
[ 2007 c 238 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.30 - Dangerous Wild Animals. › 16.30.020 - Exceptions.

RCW 16.30.020
Exceptions.
(1) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:
(a) Institutions authorized by the Washington department of fish and wildlife to hold, possess, and propagate deleterious exotic wildlife pursuant to RCW 77.12.047;
(b) Institutions accredited or certified by the American zoo and aquarium association or a facility with a current signed memorandum of participation with an association of zoos and aquariums species survival plan;
(c) Duly incorporated nonprofit animal protection organizations, such as humane societies and shelters, housing an animal at the written request of the animal control authority or acting under the authority of this chapter;
(d) Animal control authority, law enforcement officers, or county sheriffs acting under the authority of this chapter;
(e) Veterinary hospitals or clinics;
(f) A holder of a valid wildlife rehabilitation permit issued by the Washington department of fish and wildlife;
(g) Any wildlife sanctuary as defined under RCW 16.30.010(5);
(h) A research facility as defined by the animal welfare act, 7 U.S.C.A. 2131, as amended, for the species of animals for which they are registered. This includes but is not limited to universities, colleges, and laboratories holding a valid class R license under the animal welfare act;
(i) Circuses, defined as incorporated, class C licensees under the animal welfare act, 7 U.S.C.A. 2131, as amended, that are temporarily in this state, and that offer performances by live animals, clowns, and acrobats for public entertainment;
(j) A person temporarily transporting and displaying a potentially dangerous wild animal through the state if the transit time is not more than twenty-one days and the animal is at all times maintained within a confinement sufficient to prevent the animal from escaping;
(k) Domesticated animals subject to this title or native wildlife subject to Title 77 RCW;
(l) A person displaying animals at a fair approved by the Washington department of agriculture pursuant to chapter 15.76 or 36.37 RCW; and
(m) A game farm meeting the requirements of WAC 232-12-027(1).
(2) This chapter does not require a city or county that does not have an animal control authority to create that office.
[ 2007 c 238 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.30 - Dangerous Wild Animals. › 16.30.030 - Prohibited behavior.

RCW 16.30.030
Prohibited behavior.
(1) A person shall not own, possess, keep, harbor, bring into the state, or have custody or control of a potentially dangerous wild animal, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.
(2) A person shall not breed a potentially dangerous wild animal.
(3) A person in legal possession of a potentially dangerous wild animal prior to July 22, 2007, and who is the legal possessor of the animal may keep possession of the animal for the remainder of the animal's life. The person must maintain veterinary records, acquisition papers for the animal, if available, or other documents or records that establish that the person possessed the animal prior to July 22, 2007, and present the paperwork to an animal control or law enforcement authority upon request. The person shall have the burden of proving that he or she possessed the animal prior to July 22, 2007.
[ 2007 c 238 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.30 - Dangerous Wild Animals. › 16.30.040 - Confiscation—Duties of animal control authority or law enforcement officer.

RCW 16.30.040
Confiscation—Duties of animal control authority or law enforcement officer.
(1) The animal control authority or a law enforcement officer may immediately confiscate a potentially dangerous wild animal if:
(a) The animal control authority or law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the animal was acquired after July 22, 2007, in violation of RCW 16.30.030;
(b) The animal poses a public safety or health risk;
(c) The animal is in poor health and condition as a result of the possessor; or
(d) The animal is being held in contravention of the [this] act.
(2) A potentially dangerous wild animal that is confiscated under this section may be returned to the possessor only if the animal control authority or law enforcement officer establishes that the possessor had possession of the animal prior to July 22, 2007, and the return does not pose a public safety or health risk.
(3) The animal control authority or law enforcement officer shall serve notice upon the possessor in person or by regular and certified mail, return receipt requested, notifying the possessor of the confiscation, that the possessor is responsible for payment of reasonable costs for caring and providing for the animal during the confiscation, and that the possessor must meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section in order for the animal to be returned to the possessor.
(4) If a potentially dangerous wild animal confiscated under this section is not returned to the possessor, the animal control authority or law enforcement officer may release the animal to a facility such as a wildlife sanctuary or a facility exempted pursuant to RCW 16.30.020. If the animal control authority or law enforcement officer is unable to relocate the animal within a reasonable period of time, it may euthanize the animal.
(5) An animal control authority or law enforcement officer may euthanize a potentially dangerous wild animal under this section only if all known reasonable placement options, including relocation to a wildlife sanctuary, are unavailable.
(6) This section applies to animal confiscations on or after July 22, 2007.
[ 2007 c 238 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.30 - Dangerous Wild Animals. › 16.30.050 - City or county ordinances.

RCW 16.30.050
City or county ordinances.
A city or county may adopt an ordinance governing potentially dangerous wild animals that is more restrictive than this chapter. However, nothing in this chapter requires a city or county to adopt an ordinance to be in compliance with this chapter.
[ 2007 c 238 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.30 - Dangerous Wild Animals. › 16.30.060 - Violations—Civil penalty.

RCW 16.30.060
Violations—Civil penalty.
A person who violates RCW 16.30.030 is liable for a civil penalty of not less than two hundred dollars and not more than two thousand dollars for each animal with respect to which there is a violation and for each day the violation continues.
[ 2007 c 238 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.30 - Dangerous Wild Animals. › 16.30.070 - Enforcement of provisions.

RCW 16.30.070
Enforcement of provisions.
(1) The animal control authority and its staff and agents, local law enforcement agents, and county sheriffs are authorized and empowered to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(2) If a locality does not have a local animal control authority, the department of fish and wildlife shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2007 c 238 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.36 - Animal Health. › 16.36.010 - Quarantine—Hold order.

RCW 16.36.010
Quarantine—Hold order.
(1) The director shall supervise the prevention of the spread and the suppression of infectious, contagious, communicable, and dangerous diseases affecting animals within, in transit through, and imported into the state.
(2) The director may issue a quarantine order and enforce the quarantine of any animal or its reproductive products when any animal or its reproductive products are affected with or have been exposed to disease or when there is reasonable cause to investigate whether any animal or its reproductive products are affected with or have been exposed to disease, either within or outside the state. Overt disease or exposure to disease in any animal or its reproductive products need not be immediately obvious for a quarantine order to be issued or enforced. The quarantine shall remain in effect as long as the director deems necessary.
(3) The director may issue a hold order when:
(a) Overt disease or exposure to disease in an animal is not immediately obvious but there is reasonable cause to investigate whether an animal is diseased or has been exposed to disease;
(b) Import health papers, permits, or other transportation documents required by law or rule are not complete or are suspected to be fraudulent; or
(c) Further transport of an animal would jeopardize the well-being of the animal or other animals in Washington state.
A hold order is in effect for fourteen days and expires when released by the director or no later than midnight on the fourteenth day from the date of the hold order. A hold order may be replaced with a quarantine order for the purpose of animal disease control.
(4) Any animal or animal reproductive product placed under a quarantine or hold order shall be kept separate and apart from other animals designated in the instructions of the quarantine or hold order, and shall not be allowed to have anything in common with other animals.
(5) The expenses of handling and caring for any animal or animal reproductive product placed under a quarantine or hold order are the responsibility of the owner.
(6) The director has authority over the quarantine or hold area until the quarantine or hold order is released or the hold order expires.
(7) Any animal or animal reproductive product placed under a quarantine or hold order may not be moved, transported, or sold without written approval from the director or until the quarantine or hold order is released, or the hold order expires.
(8) The director may administer oaths and examine witnesses and records in the performance of his or her duties to control diseases affecting animals.
[ 2007 c 71 § 5; 2004 c 251 § 1; 1998 c 8 § 2; 1927 c 165 § 2; RRS § 3111. Prior: 1915 c 100 § 6, part; 1903 c 26 § 2, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.36 - Animal Health. › 16.36.020 - Powers of director.

RCW 16.36.020
Powers of director.
(1) The director shall enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter pertaining to garbage feeding.
(2) The director has the authority to regulate the sale, distribution, and use of veterinary biologics in the state and may adopt rules to restrict the sale, distribution, or use of any veterinary biologic in any manner necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and the state's animal population.
(3) The director has the authority to license and regulate the activities of veterinary laboratories that do not have a veterinarian licensed under chapter 18.92 RCW present within the management or staff of the veterinary laboratory. The director may adopt rules to regulate these laboratories in any manner necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and the public's animals.
[ 1998 c 8 § 3; 1987 c 163 § 2; 1979 c 154 § 8; 1953 c 17 § 2; 1947 c 172 § 1; 1933 c 177 § 1; 1927 c 165 § 1; formerly Rem. Supp. 1947 § 3110. Prior: 1915 c 100 § 5; 1901 c 112 § 2; 1895 c 167 § 2.]
NOTES:
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.36 - Animal Health. › 16.36.023 - Fees—Rules.

RCW 16.36.023
Fees—Rules.
(1) The director may adopt rules establishing fees for:
(a) The establishment and inspection of animal holding facilities authorized under this chapter;
(b) The inspection and monitoring of animals in authorized animal holding facilities; and
(c) Special inspections of animals or animal facilities that the director may provide at the request of the animal owner or interested persons.
(2) The fees shall, as closely as practicable, cover the cost of the service provided.
(3) All fees collected under this section shall be deposited in an account in the agricultural local fund and used to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
[ 2008 c 285 § 28.]
NOTES:
Intent—Captions not law—Effective date—2008 c 285: See notes following RCW 43.22.434.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.36 - Animal Health. › 16.36.025 - Recovery of costs.

RCW 16.36.025
Recovery of costs.
(1) The director may collect moneys to recover the reasonable costs of purchasing, printing, and distributing official individual identification devices or methods, regulatory forms, and other supplies.
(2) In addition to the costs identified in subsection (1) of this section, the director may also collect moneys to recover the reasonable costs associated with the data entry and processing related to animal health documents that facilitate disease control and traceability.
(3) All funds received under this section must be deposited in the animal disease traceability account in the agricultural local fund created in RCW 43.23.230 to cover the costs associated with this chapter.
[ 2013 c 45 § 1; 2011 c 204 § 1; 1998 c 8 § 19.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.36 - Animal Health. › 16.36.040 - Rules—Prevention—Inspections and tests—Reportable disease—Federal regulations.

RCW 16.36.040
Rules—Prevention—Inspections and tests—Reportable disease—Federal regulations.
(1) The director may adopt and enforce rules necessary to carry out the purpose and provisions of this chapter, and including:
(a) Preventing the introduction or spreading of infectious, contagious, communicable, or dangerous diseases affecting animals in this state;
(b) Governing the inspection and testing of all animals within or about to be imported into this state;
(c) Designating any disease as a reportable disease; and
(d) Designating when a certificate of veterinary inspection, import health papers, permits, or other transportation documents required by law or rule must designate a destination with a physical address for animals entering Washington and when those animals must be delivered or transported directly to the physical address of that destination.
(2) Rules to prevent the introduction or spread of infectious, contagious, communicable, or dangerous diseases affecting animals in this state may differ from federal regulations by being more restrictive.
[ 2011 c 204 § 8; 1998 c 8 § 4; 1979 c 154 § 10; 1947 c 172 § 3; 1927 c 165 § 4; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 3113. Prior: 1915 c 100 § 4; 1901 c 112 § 2; 1895 c 167 § 2.]
NOTES:
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.36 - Animal Health. › 16.36.045 - Transporting of animals—Requirements—Vehicle inspection—Authorization by director or appointed officers.

RCW 16.36.045
Transporting of animals—Requirements—Vehicle inspection—Authorization by director or appointed officers.
The director may establish points of inspection for vehicles transporting animals on the public roads of this state to determine if the animals being transported are accompanied by valid health certificates, permits, or other documents as required by this chapter or its rules. Vehicles transporting animals on the public roads of this state are subject to inspection and must stop at any posted inspection point established by the director, with emphasis on livestock being brought in from outside the state. The director or appointed officers are authorized to stop a vehicle transporting animals upon the public roads of this state at a place other than an inspection point if there is reasonable cause to believe the animals are being transported in violation of this chapter or its rules.
[ 2007 c 71 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 16 - Animals and Livestock › Chapter 16.36 - Animal Health. › 16.36.050 - Unlawful actions—Importation—Required certificates—Intentional or willful misconduct.

RCW 16.36.050
Unlawful actions—Importation—Required certificates—Intentional or willful misconduct.
(1) It is unlawful for a person to bring an animal into Washington state without first securing a certificate of veterinary inspection, reviewed by the state veterinarian of the state of origin, verifying that the animal meets the Washington state animal health requirements. This subsection does not apply to:
(a) Those animals that qualify for an exemption in RCW 16.36.140; or
(b) Other animals exempted by the director by rule.
(2) For animals imported into Washington it is unlawful for a person to transport or deliver an animal to any physical address other than the physical address of the destination designated by a certificate of veterinary inspection, import health papers, permits, or other transportation documents required by law or rule. The director may exempt animals from this requirement by rule.
(3) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally falsely make, complete, alter, use, or sign a certificate of veterinary inspection or official animal health document of the department.
(4) It is unlawful for a person to intentionally falsely apply, alter, or remove an official animal health or official animal identification tag, permanent mark, or other device.
(5) It is unlawful for a person to willfully hinder, obstruct, or resist the director, or any peace officer or deputized state veterinarian acting under him or her, when engaged in the performance of their duties.
(6) It is unlawful for a person to willfully fail to comply with or to violate any rule or order adopted by the director under this chapter.
[ 2011 c 204 § 9; 2010 c 66 § 2; 2007 c 71 § 2; 1998 c 8 § 5; 1979 c 154 § 11; 1947 c 172 § 4; 1927 c 165 § 5; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 3114. Prior: 1915 c 100 § 7; 1905 c 169 § 1; 1903 c 125 § 1.]
NOTES:
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.