HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 2011 - Animal Licensing and Regulations (Animal Control) 41‘I
Amended by 2197 7, c r
Repealed by 2306 §1 (part) s." 40 o
1908
City of u
k:W it a
Washington
Ordinance No.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON; AMENDING TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER
7.04, "ANIMAL LICENSING AND REGULATIONS," REPEALING
ORDINANCES 1812 AND 1772; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Tukwila City Council wishes Chapter 7.04 to be clear, inclusive,
and address known animal control issues; and
WHEREAS, regulating dangerous and potentially- dangerous dogs has become an
issue in the City in recent years; and
WHEREAS, it is the Council's intent that changes made to this ordinance are in the
best interests of animal pets, as well as the health, safety and welfare of their owners
and the general public;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Tukwila Municipal. Code Chapter 7.04 entitled "Animal Licensing and
Regulations" is hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 7.04
ANIMAL LICENSING AND REGULATIONS
Sections:
7.04.010 Purpose
7.04.020 Definitions
7.04.030 General Provisions and Licensing
7.04.040 Dog, Cat and Pot Bellied. Pig Licenses Required
7.04.050 Pot Bellied Pigs License and Restrictions
7.04.060 Exotic Animals
7.04.070 Regulation of Animals
7.04.080 Nuisance Defined Violation
7.04.085 Dangerous and Potentially- Dangerous Dog Regulation
7.04.087 .Additional Dangerous Dog Regulations
7.04.090 Declaration of Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Dog
7.04.100 Declaration Impoundment and Abatement
7.04.110 Cruelty to Animals Unlawful
7.04.120 Enforcement Authority
7.04.130 Violations Abatement and Removal Authorized
7.04.140 Penalties
7.04.010 Purpose
It is 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,
will prevent injury to property and cruelty to animal life. To this end, it is the purpose
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of this chapter to provide a means of licensing dogs, cats, pot bellied pigs, exotic
animals, animal shelters, hobby kennels, kennels and pet shops, to control errant animal
behavior so that it shall not become a public nuisance, and to prevent cruelty to
animals.
7.04.020 Definitions
A. Abatement means the termination of any violation by reasonable and lawful
means determined by the director of the Animal Control Authority, in order that the
owner or a person presumed to be the owner shall comply with this chapter.
B. Animal means any living creature except Homo Sapiens, insects and worms.
C. Animal Control Authority means the department of the City charged with the
responsibility of administering the provisions of this chapter, or the department and
any other governmental body to which this responsibility is contractually delegated
and which is thereby charged with the duty of enforcing the animal control laws of the
City and with the shelter and welfare of animals.
D. Animal Control Officer means any individual employed, contracted, or
appointed by the King County Animal Control Authority for the purpose of aiding in
the enforcement of this Chapter or any other law or ordinance relating to the licensing
of animals, control of animals, or seizure and impoundment of animals; and includes
any State or municipal peace officer, sheriff, constable, or other employee whose duties
in whole or in part include assignments which involve the seizure and taking into
custody of any animal.
E. Board of Appeals means the King County Board of Appeals.
F. City shall mean the City of Tukwila.
G. County or King County shall mean Metropolitan King County.
H. Dangerous dog means any dog that:
1. Bites or inflicts severe injury on a human being or a domestic animal
without provocation on public or private property; or
2. In an aggressive manner, inflicts severe injury or kills a domestic animal or
other animal protected under Federal, State or local laws, without provocation while off
the owner's property; or
3. Has been previously found to be potentially dangerous, the owner having
received notice of such, and the dog again aggressively bites, attacks or endangers the
safety of humans or domestic animals.
(Definition of Potentially Dangerous Dog see Item Q.)
I. Dog pack means a group of two or more dogs running upon either public or
private property not that of their owner, in a state in which either their control or
ownership is in doubt or cannot readily be ascertained, and when such dogs are not
restrained or controlled.
J. Exotic animal means any of the following:
1. Venomous species of snakes capable of inflicting serious physical harm or
death to human beings.
2. Non -human primates and prosimians.
3. Bears.
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4. Non domesticated species of felines
5. Non domesticated species of canines and their hybrids, including wolf and
coyote hybrids.
6. The order Crocodylia, including alligators, crocodiles, caiman and gavials.
K. Guide dog means a dog that is trained for the purpose of guiding blind persons
or hearing impaired persons.
L. Hobby kennel means a noncommercial kennel at or adjoining a private
residence where four or more adult dogs, four or more adult cats, or a combination of
five total cats and dogs are bred or kept for hunting, training, and exhibition for
organized shows, field, working and /or obedience trials, or for the enjoyment of the
species.
M. Juvenile means any dog or cat, altered or unaltered, that is under the age of six
months.
N. Owner means any person, firm, corporation, organization or department
having an interest in or right of possession to an animal, or having control, custody or
possession of an animal, including possession by reason of the animal being seen
residing consistently at a location.
O. Person means any individual, partnership, firm, joint stock company,
corporation, association, trust, estate, or other legal entity.
P. Pot bellied pig means that type of American swine commonly known as
Vietnamese, Chinese or Asian pot bellied pig (Sus Scrofa Bittatus).
Q. Potentially dangerous dog means any dog that, when unprovoked:
1. Chases, charges at, or tries to attack, causing a person to take defensive
action in order to prevent bodily injury; or
2. Approaches a person on the streets, sidewalks, public or private property
other than the dog owner's property, in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of
attack; or
3. With a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, unprovoked,
to cause injury or otherwise threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals; or
4. Bites a domestic animal off the dog owner's property, causing the animal's
skin to be broken.
R. Rules and regulations of the Animal Control Authority means such rules and
regulations as may be adopted by the Animal Control Authority, not inconsistent with
the intent of this chapter.
S. Running at large means to be off the premises of the owner and not under the
immediate control of the owner or other competent person authorized by the owner, by
means of a leash, cord or chain no longer than eight feet, except when in or on any
vehicle and securely confined to such vehicle.
T. Severe injury means any physical injury that results in broken bones or
lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.
U. Service animal means an animal that is trained or being trained for the purpose
of assisting or accommodating a disabled person's sensory, mental or physical
disability.
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V. Shelter means a facility which is used to house or contain stray, homeless,
abandoned or unwanted animals, and which is owned, operated or maintained by a
public body, an established humane society, animal welfare society, society for the
prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization or person devoted to
the welfare, protection and humane treatment of animals.
7.04.030 General Provisions and Licensing
A. General Licensing Provisions The following sections of Chapter 11.04
Metropolitan King County Code, as now in effect and as may be subsequently
amended, are hereby adopted by reference, except that unless the context indicates
otherwise the word "County" and "King County" shall refer to Metropolitan King
County, and references to violations of the County code or County ordinances shall be
deemed to be references to violations of City ordinances.
11.04.020 Definitions (and in addition thereto, the definitions set forth in TMC
7.04.020).
11.04.040 Animal Shelter, Kennel, Grooming Service, Cattery and Pet Shop License
Required.
11.04.060 Hobby Kennel License Required.
11.04.070 Animal Shelters, Kennels and Pet Shops Reporting Required.
11.04.080 Animal Shelters, Kennels and Pet Shops Inspections.
11.04.090 Animal Shelters, Kennels and Pet Shops Conditions.
11.04.100 Animal Shelters, Kennels and Pet Shops Indoor Facilities.
11.04.110 Animal Shelters, Kennels and Pet Shops Outdoor Facilities.
11.04.130 Grooming Parlors Conditions.
11.04.140 Animal Shelters, Hobby Kennels, Kennels, Pet Shops, Grooming Parlors,
Guard Dog Purveyors, Guard Dog Trainers and Guard Dog Owners-
Additional Conditions.
11.04.150 Licenses, Registrations Revocation, Suspension or Refusal to Renew.
11.04.160 Licenses, Registration Revocation or Refusal Waiting Period.
11.04.165 Private Animal Placement Permit Individual.
11.04.167 Private Animal Placement Permit Organizational.
B. General Enforcement and Procedures The following sections of Chapter 11.04
Metropolitan King County, as now in effect and as may be subsequently amended, are
hereby adopted by reference, except that unless the context indicates otherwise the
word "County" and the words "King County" shall refer to Metropolitan King County,
and references to violations of the County Code or County ordinances shall be deemed
to be references to violations of City ordinances.
11.04.170 Enforcement power.
11.04.180 Violations Deemed nuisance Abatement.
11.04.190 Violations Misdemeanor Penalty.
11.04.200 Violations Civil Penalty.
11.04.210 Impounding.
11.04.220 Additional enforcement.
11.04.240 Unlawful acts against police department dogs.
11.04.280 Redemption procedures.
11.04.290 Corrective action Vicious animals.
11.04.300 Civil penalty and abatement costs Liability of owner.
11.04.310 Costs of additional enforcement.
11.04.320 Miscellaneous service charges.
11.04.330 Additional rules and regulations.
11.04.335 Waiver of fees and penalties.
11.04.340 Severability.
11.04.345 Private Animal Placement Permit Citizen Complaint Process
11.04.510 Unaltered Dogs and Cats Advertising Requirements
11.04.520 Rabies Vaccination Required.
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11.12
11.28
11.32
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Rabies Control
Exotic Animals
Guard Dogs
7.04.040 Dog, cat, and pot bellied pig licenses, required.
A. Applicability. All dogs, cats and pot bellied pigs eight weeks old and over,
which are harbored, kept or maintained in the City, shall be licensed and registered
annually. Dogs kept in kennels for 30 or fewer days need not be licensed while kept at
such kennel and while such kennel is duly licensed as provided in King County Code
11.04; otherwise King County licensing provisions shall apply.
B. Juvenile licenses. Reduced -fee juvenile licenses may be obtained for all dogs
and cats from eight weeks to six months of age.
C. Dog and cat licenses, 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 the county comptroller or County- authorized licensing agency according to the
schedule of fees adopted by the King County Council, as now or hereafter amended.
1. Tukwila residents 65 years of age or older shall be entitled to purchase
special permanent licenses for the lifetime of cats or dogs for which they are the
registered owners when said animals are maintained at said owner's registered address.
The special permanent animal license fee will be available provided that the owner
provides written proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered.
2. The annual license fee shall become due and payable one year from the last
day of the month of issuance.
3. Applications for a dog or cat license shall be on forms provided by the
Animal Control Authority.
4. All license tags issued under this chapter shall be securely affixed to a
substantial collar, harness or other means, and shall be worn by the animal at all times.
5. Guide dogs and service animals may be eligible for a special, free,
permanent license. The guide dog or service animal license is subject to meeting
requirements of both the owner and the pet.
6. The Animal Control Authority is authorized to collect a fee for a lost or
stolen license tag replacement.
D. Dog and cat licenses, penalties.
1. Penalties shall be assessed in cases of late registration and licensing of dogs
and cats kept and maintained in the City as provided in the schedule adopted by the
King County Council for such penalties, as now or hereafter amended.
2. It shall be a rebuttable presumption that an animal has not been licensed
unless a proof of purchase within the preceding 30 days is presented to the licensing
officer or agent, or the animal's owner has moved into the City within the preceding 30
days, or the animal has been under the age which requires a license, or other proof
deemed acceptable in the department's rules and regulations.
E. Dog and cat licenses, non applicability. The provisions of this chapter shall not
apply to dogs used by law enforcement agencies for police work, nor shall it apply to
dogs or cats in the custody of a veterinarian or animal shelter or whose owners are
nonresidents temporarily within the City for a period not exceeding 30 days.
F. Mandatory spaying and neutering.
1. No person shall own or harbor any cat or dog over the age of six months
that has not been spayed or neutered unless that person pays a special unaltered animal
license fee for the animal pursuant to King County animal control licensing provisions.
2. Guide dog puppies in training and police service dogs are exempt from the
provisions of this subsection.
7.04.050 Pot bellied pigs Licenses and Restrictions.
A. Licenses. Pot bellied pig licenses shall be issued by the City of Tukwila upon
application and payment of an annual license fee made payable to the City of Tukwila
according to the schedule of fees approved by the City Council. City residents must
obtain a valid license within 30 days of the pig's entry into the City, or by the effective
date of this ordinance
B. Restrictions.
1. No more than two pot bellied pigs may be kept in any dwelling unit or
business establishment. Any pigs in excess of two shall be subject to a fine of $25.00 per
day per pig, payable to the City of Tukwila,
2. No pot bellied pigs weighing more than 150 pounds or having a height
greater than 22 inches at the shoulder are allowed.
7.04.060 Exotic animals.
A. The possession or maintenance of an exotic animal by private citizens within
the City of Tukwila is prohibited unless the exotic animal is licensed, according to
requirements of the King County Code 11.28.
B. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any facility possessing or
maintaining exotic animals as defined in this chapter which is owned, operated or
maintained by any city, county, state or the federal government, including but not
limited to public zoos, nor shall it apply to museums, laboratories and research facilities
maintained by scientific or educational institutions, nor to private or commercial
activities such as circuses, fairs, or private zoological parks which are otherwise
regulated by law, nor to any recognized program engaged in the training of exotic
animals for use as service animals by disabled citizens.
C. Breeding or allowing the reproduction of exotic animals as defined in this
chapter is prohibited, provided that this prohibition shall not apply to any
governmental facility possessing or maintaining exotic animals nor shall it apply to
private or commercial activities.
D. Each exotic animal must have a license tag securely affixed to a substantial
collar, harness or other means, or a microchip implant for identification; the owner
must show proof of such upon request of the Animal Control Authority officer.
7.04.070 Regulation of animals.
A. Number of cats and dogs No person shall keep more than three dogs or three
cats, or a total of five of a combination of cats and dogs over the age of four months. If
four or more adult dogs, four or more adult cats, or a combination of five total animals
are kept, a hobby kennel license is required.
B. Dogs at large requirement of a leash or chain It shall be a violation of this
chapter for any owner or custodian to cause, permit or allow any dog owned, harbored,
controlled or kept by him /her in the City to roam, run or stray away from the premises
where the dog is owned, harbored, controlled or kept; except that, while away from the
premises, the dog shall at all times be controlled by the owner or some duly authorized
and competent person by means of a leash or chain not exceeding eight feet in length,
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provided that such leash or chain is not required for any dog when otherwise safely and
securely confined or completely controlled while in or upon any vehicle.
C. Offenses relating to sanitation It is unlawful for an owner to:
1. Allow the accumulation of pig, cat, fowl or dog feces in any open area, run
cage or yard wherein those animals are kept, and to fail to remove or dispose of feces at
least once every seven days.
2. Fail to remove the fecal matter deposited by his/ her animal on public
property, public easements, or private property of another before the owner leaves the
immediate area where the fecal matter was deposited.
3. Fail to have in his /her possession equipment such as a plastic bag or other
means of conveyance necessary to remove his /her animal's fecal matter when said
animal deposits fecal matter on public property, public easement or another's private
property.
D. Any animal show or exhibition held out of doors or in a public building must
notify the Animal Control Authority and the City of Tukwila at least 24 hours in
advance of the event.
7.04.080 Nuisance defined Violation.
A. For purposes of this chapter, nuisances are violations of this chapter and shall
be defined as follows:
1. Any public nuisance relating to animal control known as common law or
in equity jurisprudence;
2. Any animal running at large within the City;
3. Any domesticated animal, whether licensed or not, which runs at large in
any park, or enters any public playground or school ground. However, this subsection
shall not prohibit a person from walking or exercising an animal in a public park or on a
public beach when such animal is on a leash, tether or chain not to exceed eight feet in
length. This subsection shall not apply to any person using a trained, properly licensed
guide or service dog, or to animal shows, exhibitions or organized dog training classes.
4. Any animal which enters any place where food is stored, prepared, served
or sold to the public, or any other public building or hall. However, this subsection shall
not apply to any person using a licensed guide or service dog, to veterinary offices or
hospitals, businesses offering pet services, or to animal shows, exhibitions or organized
dog training classes.
5. A female domesticated animal, whether licensed or not, while in heat,
accessible to other animals for purposes other than controlled and planned breeding;
6. Any domesticated animal which chases, runs after, or jumps at vehicles
using the public streets and alleys;
7. Any domesticated animal which habitually snaps, growls, snarls, jumps
upon, or otherwise threatens persons lawfully using the public sidewalks, streets, alleys
other public ways.
8. Any animal which has exhibited vicious propensities and which constitutes
a danger to the safety of persons or property off his premises or lawfully on his
premises; provided, that in addition to other remedies and penalties, the provisions of
this chapter relating to dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs shall apply;
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9. Any domesticated animal which howls, yelps, whines, barks or makes
other oral noises in such a manner as to disturb any person or neighborhood to an
unreasonable degree;
10. Any domesticated animal which enters upon another person's property
without the permission of that person;
11. Animals staked, tethered or kept on public property without prior written
consent of the County Animal Control Authority;
12. Animals on any public property not under control with a leash held by the
owner or other competent person;
13. Animals kept, harbored or maintained and known to have a contagious
disease unless under the treatment of a licensed veterinarian;
14. Animals running in dog packs.
B. Nuisance violations shall be subject to a civil fine and enforcement necessary to
abate the violation.
7.04.085 Dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs registration, prohibitions,
etc.
A. It is unlawful for an owner to have a dangerous dog or a potentially dangerous
dog as defined in TMC 7.04.020, in the City without fulfilling the requirements of the
City and of the Animal Control Authority.
B. No potentially dangerous dog or dangerous dog shall go unrestricted upon the
premises of the owner. Further, no potentially dangerous or dangerous dog shall be
kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or structure which would allow such
dog to exit the building on its own volition.
C. All potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs shall be securely confined
indoors or in a secure enclosure. Such an enclosure can be a pen, dog run, or structure,
suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the animal
from escaping. Such pen, structure or dog run shall have secure sides and a secure top.
The sides of the enclosure shall not directly adjoin a neighboring property. If the pen,
structure or dog run area has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides shall be
embedded not less than two feet into the ground. An enclosure with doors, windows, or
other openings enclosed solely by wire or mesh screening shall not be considered a
proper enclosure as defined in this section.
D. No person owning or harboring, or having the care of, a potentially dangerous
or dangerous dog shall suffer or permit such dog to go beyond the premises of such
person, unless such dog is securely muzzled in a manner that will not cause injury to
the dog but shall prevent it from biting any person or animal; and is restrained with a
chain having a minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds and not exceeding three feet in
length.
E. Any corrective actions available under King County's Code 11.04.290 must be
made as required by an animal control officer.
F. No person shall own or possess with intent to sell, or offer for sale, breed, or
buy or attempt to buy within the City any potentially dangerous or dangerous dog.
G. No person shall own or harbor any dog for the purpose of dog fighting, or
train, torment, badger, bait or use any dog for the purposes of causing or encouraging
said dog to unprovoked attacks upon human beings or domestic animals.
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7.04.087 Additional Dangerous Dog Regulations Dangerous dogs which have
been shown to be a particular threat to the health, safety and welfare of the community
may be subject to additional dangerous dog regulations as follows:
A. A dog which has been declared dangerous may be removed and destroyed if
the release of the dog would create a significant threat to the health, safety, and welfare
of the public.
B. If it is determined that a dangerous dog shall not be removed or destroyed,
Animal Control shall impose any additional conditions upon the ownership of the dog
that protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
C. The owner of a dangerous dog that is not removed and destroyed shall be
required to have a surety bond issued by a surety insurer qualified under Chapter 48.28
RCW in a sum not less than $250,000 payable to a person injured by the dog; or a policy
of liability insurance, such as homeowners's insurance, issued by an insurer qualified
under RCW Title 48 in the amount of at least $250,000, insuring the owner or keeper for
personal injuries inflicted by the dangerous dog, with a certificate from the insurer
providing for written notice to the City within 30 days of cancellation, reduction of
limits, or termination of coverage.
D. A copy of the surety bond or liability insurance policy shall be provided to the
City before the dangerous dog is returned to Tukwila to live.
7.04.090 Declaration of dangerous and potentially- dangerous dog.
A. Provision for declaring dangerous and potentially- dangerous dogs. Based on
an investigation, the Animal Control Authority may find and declare an animal
potentially dangerous or dangerous if it has probable cause to believe that the animal
falls within the definitions set in TMC 7.04.020 H or Q. For the purposes of this chapter,
the determination of probable cause may include:
1. The written complaint of a citizen who is willing to testify that the animal
has acted in a manner which causes it to fall within the definitions in TMC 7.04.020 H or
Q; or
2. Dog bite reports filed with the Animal Control Authority; or
3. Actions of the dog witnessed by any animal control officer or law
enforcement officer; or
4. A verified report that the animal previously has been found to be either
potentially dangerous or dangerous by any Animal Control Authority; or
B. Dogs shall not be declared dangerous if the threat, injury or damage was
sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort
upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog, or was tormenting, abusing or
assaulting the dog, or in the past has been observed or reported to have tormented,
abused or assaulted the dog, or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
C. Declaration, service to owner in writing. The declaration shall be in writing,
and shall be served on the owner or keeper in one of the following methods:
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5. Other substantial evidence admissible in a court of law.
1. Certified mail to the owner's or keeper's last known address; or
2. Personally delivered; or
3. Posting the notice of violation and order on the front door of the living unit
of the owner or person with right to control the animal if said owner or person is not
home; or
4. If the owner or keeper cannot be located by one of these methods, by
publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The owner or keeper of any animal found to be a potentially dangerous or
dangerous dog under this section shall be assessed all actual service costs expended
under this subsection.
D. Declaration, information required. The declaration set forth in this section shall
state at least:
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1. A description of the animal;
2. The name and address of the owner or keeper of the animal, if known;
3. The whereabouts of the animal if it is not in the custody of the owner or
keeper;
4. The facts upon which the declaration is based;
5. The availability of a hearing in case the person objects to the declaration, if
a request is made within 14 days.
6. The restrictions placed on the animal as a result of the declaration; and
7. The penalties for violation of the restrictions, including the possibility of
destruction of the animal, and imprisonment or fining of the owner or keeper.
E. Declaration appeal procedure. If the owner or keeper of the animal wishes to
contest the declaration, the following procedures shall apply:
1. The owner or keeper shall, within 14 days of receipt of the declaration, or
within 14 days of the publication of the declaration, or within 14 days of the publication
of the declaration pursuant to 7.04.090 C, request a hearing from the King County
Animal Control Authority Board of Appeals. Failing to exhaust this administrative
appeal process shall be a bar to action in a court of law. Any appeal decision issued by
the Board of Appeals can be appealed in Superior Court.
2. If the Board of Appeals finds there is insufficient evidence to support the
declaration, it shall be rescinded and the restrictions imposed thereby annulled.
3. If the Board of Appeals finds sufficient evidence to support the declaration,
then it shall be affirmed.
4. If the Board of Appeals finds that the animal is not a potentially dangerous
or dangerous dog, no costs shall be assessed against the City or the Animal Control
Authority or officer.
7.04.100 Declaration impoundment and abatement.
A. Impoundment. Following service of a declaration of potentially dangerous or
dangerous dog, and pending appeal under TMC 7.04.090 D, the Animal Control
Authority may, if circumstances require, impound the animal at the owner's or keeper's
expense, until the appeal to the Board of Appeals or a court of competent jurisdiction
orders either its redemption or destruction.
B. Abatement. Any dog or other animal which bites, attacks, or attempts to bite
one or more persons two or more times within a two -year period is declared to be a
danger to public safety, and shall not be kept within the City 48 hours after receipt of
written notice from the director or his authorized animal control officer. Such animal or
animals found in violation of this section will be impounded and disposed of as an
unredeemed animal, and the owner or keeper of such animal(s) has no right to redeem
such dog or animal.
7.04.110 Cruelty to animals Unlawful.
A. It is unlawful for any person to:
1. Willfully and cruelly inflict physical injury, or to kill any animal by any
means causing unnecessary fright, suffering or pain.
2. By reason of neglect or intent, fail to provide the animal with necessary
food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, space or medical attention, thereby
causing or allowing any animal to endure pain, suffering or injury; or to fail or neglect
to aid or attempt alleviation of pain, suffering or injury he or she has so caused to any
animal.
3. Lay out or expose any kind of poison, or to leave exposed any poison food
or drink for man, animal or fowl, or any substance or fluid whatever or wherein there is
deposited or mingled any kind of poison, or poisonous or deadly substance or fluid
whatever, on any premises or in any unenclosed place, or to aid or abet any person in
so doing, unless in accordance with the provisions of RCW 16.52.190.
4. Abandon any domestic animal by dropping off or leaving such animal on
the street, road or highway, or in any other public place, or on the private property of
another.
5. Keep an animal in an enclosed vehicle when the temperature inside the
vehicle reaches 80 °F, and/ or the animal appears to be in stress as a result of excessive
heat or thirst.
B. Any person may lawfully kill a dangerous animal when a clear and present
danger exists to his or her own self or to the public safety, and a record of complaint
against the animal has been filed with the Animal Control Authority.
7.04.120 Enforcement authority.
A. The director of the Animal Control Authority and his /her authorized animal
control officers are authorized to take such lawful action as may be required to enforce
the provisions of this chapter and the laws of the State as they pertain to animal cruelty,
shelter, welfare, and enforcement of control.
B. The director of the Animal Control Authority or his /her authorized animal
control officer shall not enter a building designated for and used for private purposes,
unless the officer has reasonable cause to believe an animal is being maintained in the
building in violation of this chapter.
C. The director of the Animal Control Authority and his /her authorized animal
control officers, while pursuing any animal observed by the officer to be in violation of
this chapter, or during investigations for unlicensed animals, may enter upon any
public or private property, except any building designated for and used for private
purposes, for the purpose of abating the animal violation being pursued or the licensing
of animals.
D. No person shall deny, prevent, obstruct, or attempt to deny, prevent or
obstruct an 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 his /her authorized animal control officer to enter
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private property to perform any duty imposed by this chapter. Any person violating
this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor.
E. Notwithstanding the existence or use of any other remedy, the director of the
Animal Control Authority may seek legal or equitable relief to enjoin any acts or
practices and abate any conditions which constitute a violation of this code or other
regulations herein adopted.
7.04.130 Violations Abatement and impoundment authorized.
A. Whenever the director or authorized animal control officer has found an
animal maintained in violation of this title, the director of the Animal Control Authority
shall commence proceedings to cause the abatement of each violation; provided, that
the abatement and removal procedures of this section shall not apply to the dangerous
dog removal procedures contained in this chapter.
B. Any animal constituting a public nuisance as provided in this chapter shall be
abated and impounded from the City by the owner or by the director of the Animal
Control Authority, or his /her authorized animal control officer, upon receipt of two
King County Animal Control Authority notices of violation and one order of
confinement by the owner in any one -year period. Where it is established by record
pursuant to this chapter and no finding was entered showing that the owner will be
able to provide reasonable restraints to protect the public from repetitions of violations,
the director of the Animal Control Authority shall notify and direct the owner of the
animal to abate or remove the same from the City and County within 96 hours from the
date of the notice. If such animal is found to be within the confines of the City after 96
hours have elapsed from the date of notice, the same shall be abated and removed by
the director of the Animal Control Authority. Animals removed pursuant to the
provisions of this section shall be removed from the City or be subjected to euthanasia
by the Animal Control Authority.
7.04.140 Penalties.
A. Civil penalty and cost of abatement, collection. The civil penalty described in
TMC 7.04.140 C, and the cost of abatement are also personal obligations of the animal
owner. Animal control, on behalf of King County, and the City Attorney, on behalf of
the City, may collect the civil penalty and the abatement work costs by use of all
appropriate legal remedies.
B. Cost of enforcement, collection. In addition to the costs and disbursements
provided for by statute, the prevailing party in a collective action under this chapter
may, in the court's discretion, be allowed interest and a reasonable attorney's fee. The
City attorney shall seek such costs, interest, and reasonable attorney's fees on behalf of
the City or County when the City is the prevailing party.
C. Violation, civil penalty. In addition to any other penalty provided in this title or
by law, any person whose animal is maintained in violation of this title shall incur a
civil penalty plus billable costs of the Animal Control Authority. The penalty shall be
$50 for the first notice of violation, $75 for the second violation in any one -year period,
and $200 for each successive violation.
D. Violation, dangerous dog. Any dangerous dog shall be immediately
confiscated by an Animal Control Authority if the dog is not maintained in a secure
enclosure; or if the dog is allowed to go beyond the owner's premises without leash or
muzzle restraints; or either a required surety bond or liability insurance of $250,000 is
not valid. The owner must pay the costs of confinement and control. The Animal
Control Authority must serve notice upon the dog owner in person, to the owner's
residence, or by regular and certified mail, return receipt requested, specifying the
reason for the confiscation of the dangerous dog, that the owner is responsible for
payment of the cost of confinement and control, and that the dog will be destroyed by
Animal Control 12
Animal Control in an expeditious and humane manner if the deficiencies for which the
dog was confiscated are not corrected within 20 days. In addition, the owner shall be
guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable in accordance with RCW 9A.20.021.
Section 2. Repealer. Ordinance No. 1812 and 1772 are hereby repealed.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or
phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or situation should be held to
be invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the
remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to any other person or situation.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published
in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force five days
after passage and publication as provided by law.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
at a Regular Meeting thereof this ,ohs/" day of /2/ I 2003.
ATTEST/ AUTHENTICATED:
(ne E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Office of the C Attorney
Animal Control 13
Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Published:
Effective Date:
Ordinance Number:
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor
CITY OF TUKWILA
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2011
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, AMENDING TUKWILA
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 7.04, "ANIMAL LICENSING AND
REGULATIONS REPEALING ORDINANCES 1812 AND 1772;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
On January 21, 2003, the City Council of the City of Tukwila passed
Ordinance No. 2011, clarifying the language in the ordinance, adding
regulations for dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs, requiring the owner
of a dangerous dog to have a surety bond or homeowner's dog liability
insurance of $250,000; providing for severability and establishing an effective
date.
The full text of this ordinance will be mailed without charge to anyone
who submits a written request to the City Clerk of the City of Tukwila for a
copy of the text.
APPROVED by the City Council at its meeting of January 21, 2003.
n4 E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk
Published Seattle Times: January 24, 2003 ;dam