WASHINGTON’S DANGEROUS DOG LAW

RCW.16.08.070

Washington State has one of the strictest dangerous dog laws in the nation. It is the owner’s responsibility to control his or her animal. Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecution as well as civil suit.

IMPORTANT
All dogs exhibiting POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS behavior can be evaluated for designation as a dangerous dog under Washington law. Pet owners whose dogs have been classified as potentially dangerous are liable for criminal prosecution for subsequent violations in addition; a further determination will be made to upgrade the classification to DANGEROUS. This does not preclude the filing of felony or civil charges for the first offence in cases of serious human injury or death.

Questions? Call (360) 385.3292

Dangerous Dog:

• Any dog that, according to the records of the appropriate authority,
• Severely injured a human or public or private property; Killed a domestic animal while off the owner’s property;
• Has been classified as potentially dangerous under the law and subsequently bites, attacks or endangers the safety of humans or domestic animals.

Potentially Dangerous Dog:

• Any dog that, when unprovoked Bites a human or domestic animal;
• Chases or approaches a person on the street, sidewalk or other public grounds in a menacing fashion;
• Injures or otherwise threatens the safety of humans or domestic animals

Potential Penalties:

• Failure to control a potentially dangerous dog: MISDEMEANOR
• Failure to control a dangerous animal: GROSS MISDEMEANOR
• Possessing a dangerous dog that aggressively attacks, severely injures or kills any human: CLASS “C” FELONY

Keeping a “Dangerous Dog”

To keep a dog legally classified as dangerous, you must:

• Obtain a $50,000 surety bond
• Pay an annual registration fee of $250.00

Registration of a Dangerous Dog

Required to keep a dog legally classified as Dangerous or Potentially Dangerous:

• Obtain a $50,000 surety Bond
• Permanently kennel the dog
• Register annually with Animal Control