title: RCW 16.30.010

text:
(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 s 2.]

catchline: Definitions.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 16.30.020

text:
(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 s 3.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Exceptions.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 16.30.030

text:
(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 s 4.]

catchline: Prohibited behavior.


title: RCW 16.30.040

text:
(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 s 5.]

catchline: Confiscation—Duties of animal control authority or law enforcement officer.


title: RCW 16.30.050

text:
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 s 6.]

catchline: City or county ordinances.


title: RCW 16.30.060

text:
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 s 7.]

catchline: Violations—Civil penalty.


title: RCW 16.30.070

text:
(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 s 8.]

catchline: Enforcement of provisions.


title: RCW 16.36.005

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Animal" means all members of the animal kingdom except humans, fish, and insects. However, "animal" does not mean noncaptive wildlife as defined in RCW 77.08.010, except as used in RCW 16.36.050(1) and 16.36.080 (1), (2), (3), and (5).
(2) "Animal reproductive product" means sperm, ova, fertilized ova, and embryos from animals.
(3) "Certificate of veterinary inspection" means a legible veterinary health inspection certificate on an official electronic or paper form from the state of origin or from the animal and plant health inspection service (APHIS) of the United States department of agriculture, executed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian or a veterinarian approved by the animal and plant health inspection service. "Certificate of veterinary inspection" is also known as an "official health certificate."
(4) "Communicable disease" means a disease due to a specific infectious agent or its toxic products transmitted from an infected person, animal, or inanimate reservoir to a susceptible host, either directly or indirectly through an intermediate plant or animal host, vector, or the environment.
(5) "Contagious disease" means a communicable disease that is capable of being easily transmitted from one animal to another animal or a human.
(6) "Department" means the department of agriculture of the state of Washington.
(7) "Deputized state veterinarian" means a Washington state licensed and accredited veterinarian appointed and compensated by the director according to state law and department policies.
(8) "Director" means the director of the department or his or her authorized representative.
(9) "Farm-raised fish" means fish raised by aquaculture as defined in RCW 15.85.020. Farm-raised fish are considered to be a part of animal agriculture; however, disease inspection, prevention, and control programs and related activities for farm-raised fish are administered by the department of fish and wildlife under chapter 77.115 RCW.
(10) "Garbage" means the solid animal and vegetable waste and offal together with the natural moisture content resulting from the handling, preparation, or consumption of foods in houses, restaurants, hotels, kitchens, markets, meat shops, packing houses and similar establishments or any other food waste containing meat or meat products.
(11) "Herd or flock plan" means a written management agreement between the owner of a herd or flock and the state veterinarian, with possible input from a private accredited veterinarian designated by the owner and the area veterinarian-in-charge of the United States department of agriculture, animal and plant health inspection service, veterinary services in which each participant agrees to undertake actions specified in the herd or flock plan to control the spread of infectious, contagious, or communicable disease within and from an infected herd or flock and to work toward eradicating the disease in the infected herd or flock.
(12) "Hold order" means an order by the director to the owner or agent of the owner of animals or animal reproductive products which restricts the animals or products to a designated holding location pending an investigation by the director of the disease, disease exposure, well-being, movement, or import status of the animals or animal reproductive products.
(13) "Infectious agent" means an organism including viruses, rickettsia, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminthes, or prions that is capable of producing infection or infectious disease.
(14) "Infectious disease" means a clinical disease of humans or animals resulting from an infection with an infectious agent that may or may not be communicable or contagious.
(15) "Livestock" means horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, bison, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, ratites, poultry, waterfowl, game birds, and other species so designated by statute. "Livestock" does not mean free ranging wildlife as defined in Title 77 RCW.
(16) "Meat processors" means a person licensed to operate a slaughtering establishment under chapter 16.49 RCW or the federal meat inspection act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 601 et seq.).
(17) "Person" means a person, persons, firm, or corporation.
(18) "Quarantine" means the placing and restraining of any animal or its reproductive products by the owner or agent of the owner within a certain described and designated enclosure or area within this state, or the restraining of any animal or its reproductive products from entering this state, as may be directed in an order by the director.
(19) "Reportable disease" means a disease designated by rule by the director as reportable to the department by veterinarians and others made responsible to report by statute.
(20) "Sold" means sale, trade, gift, barter, or any other action that constitutes a change of ownership.
(21) "Veterinary biologic" means any virus, serum, toxin, and analogous product of natural or synthetic origin, or product prepared from any type of genetic engineering, such as diagnostics, antitoxins, vaccines, live microorganisms, killed microorganisms, and the antigenic or immunizing components intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases in animals.
[ 2011 c 204 s 6. Prior: 2010 c 66 s 1; 2003 c 39 s 9; 1998 c 8 s 1; 1987 c 163 s 1; 1953 c 17 s 1.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).


title: RCW 16.36.010

text:
(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 s 5; 2004 c 251 s 1; 1998 c 8 s 2; 1927 c 165 s 2; RRS s 3111. Prior: 1915 c 100 s 6, part; 1903 c 26 s 2, part.]

catchline: Quarantine—Hold order.


title: RCW 16.36.020

text:
(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 s 3; 1987 c 163 s 2; 1979 c 154 s 8; 1953 c 17 s 2; 1947 c 172 s 1; 1933 c 177 s 1; 1927 c 165 s 1; formerly Rem. Supp. 1947 s 3110. Prior: 1915 c 100 s 5; 1901 c 112 s 2; 1895 c 167 s 2.]
Notes:
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.

catchline: Powers of director.


title: RCW 16.36.023

text:
(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 s 28.]
Notes:
Intent—Captions not law—Effective date—2008 c 285: See notes following RCW 43.22.434.

catchline: Fees—Rules.


title: RCW 16.36.025

text:
(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 s 1; 2011 c 204 s 1; 1998 c 8 s 19.]

catchline: Recovery of costs.


title: RCW 16.36.040

text:
(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 s 8; 1998 c 8 s 4; 1979 c 154 s 10; 1947 c 172 s 3; 1927 c 165 s 4; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 3113. Prior: 1915 c 100 s 4; 1901 c 112 s 2; 1895 c 167 s 2.]
Notes:
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.

catchline: Rules—Prevention—Inspections and tests—Reportable disease—Federal regulations.


title: RCW 16.36.045

text:
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 s 1.]

catchline: Transporting of animals—Requirements—Vehicle inspection—Authorization by director or appointed officers.


title: RCW 16.36.050

text:
(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 s 9; 2010 c 66 s 2; 2007 c 71 s 2; 1998 c 8 s 5; 1979 c 154 s 11; 1947 c 172 s 4; 1927 c 165 s 5; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 3114. Prior: 1915 c 100 s 7; 1905 c 169 s 1; 1903 c 125 s 1.]
Notes:
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.

catchline: Unlawful actions—Importation—Required certificates—Intentional or willful misconduct.


title: RCW 16.36.060

text:
(1) The director has the authority to enter a property at any reasonable time to:
(a) Conduct tests, examinations, or inspections to take samples, and to examine and copy records when there is reasonable cause to investigate whether animals on the property or that have been on the property are infected with or have been exposed to disease; and
(b) Determine, when there is reasonable cause to investigate, whether animals on the property have been imported into Washington state in violation of requirements of this chapter, and to conduct tests, examinations, and inspections, take samples, and examine and copy records during such investigations.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to interfere with investigations, tests, inspections, or examinations, or to alter any segregation or identification systems made in connection with tests, inspections, or examinations conducted pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
(3) If the director is denied access to a property or animals for purposes of this chapter, or a person fails to comply with an order of the director, the director may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a search warrant. To show that access is denied, the director shall file with the court an affidavit or declaration containing a description of all attempts to notify and locate the owner or owner's agent and secure consent. The court may issue a search warrant authorizing access to any animal or property at reasonable times to conduct investigations, tests, inspections, or examinations of any animal or property, or to take samples, and examine and copy records, and may authorize seizure or destruction of property.
[ 2011 c 204 s 10; 2010 c 66 s 4; 2004 c 251 s 2; 1998 c 8 s 6; 1985 c 415 s 2; 1979 c 154 s 12; 1947 c 172 s 5; 1927 c 165 s 6; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 3115. Prior: 1895 c 167 s 3.]
Notes:
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.

catchline: Tests, examinations, inspections, samples, examine and copy records—Entry onto property—Unlawful conduct—Seizure of property—Search warrant.


title: RCW 16.36.070

text:
When any local governing body notifies the director of the presence or probable danger of infection from any animal diseases, the director, state veterinarian, or a deputized state veterinarian shall respond immediately and take appropriate action. In case of an emergency, the director may appoint deputies or assistants with equal power to act.
[ 1998 c 8 s 7; 1947 c 172 s 6; 1927 c 165 s 7; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 3116. Prior: 1895 c 167 s 4.]

catchline: Danger of infection—Emergencies.


title: RCW 16.36.080

text:
(1) Any person licensed to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry in this state, veterinary laboratories, and others designated by this chapter shall immediately report in writing or by telephone, facsimile, or electronic mail to the director the existence or suspected existence of any reportable disease among animals within the state.
(2) Persons using their own diagnostic services must report any reportable disease among animals within the state to the director.
(3) The director shall investigate and/or maintain records of all cases of reportable diseases among animals within this state.
(4) The director may require appropriate treatment of any animal affected with, suspected of being affected with, or that has been exposed to any reportable disease. The owner may dispose of the animal rather than treating the animal as required by the director.
(5) It is unlawful for any person to import any animal infected with or exposed to a reportable disease without a permit from the director.
[ 1998 c 8 s 8; 1947 c 172 s 7; 1927 c 165 s 8; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 3117.]

catchline: Veterinarians and others to report diseases—Director's duties—Unlawful importation.


title: RCW 16.36.082

text:
(1) It is unlawful for any person to sell, exchange, or give away any animal that he or she knows:
(a) Is infected with any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease;
(b) Has been exposed to any contagious, communicable, or infectious disease within the previous thirty days; or
(c) Has been treated for any condition within the previous thirty days;
without notifying the purchaser or person taking possession of the animal of the infection, exposure, or treatment unless the legal withdrawal period for any treatment has been met or exceeded.
(2) It is unlawful for any owner or person in possession of any animal having any contagious, communicable, or infectious disease to knowingly:
(a) Turn out the animal onto enclosed lands adjoining the enclosed lands of another that are kept for pasture or otherwise used for raising animals without notifying the owner of the enclosed lands; or
(b) Stable the animal or allow the animal to be stabled in any barn with other animals without notifying the other owners.
[ 1998 c 8 s 14; 1927 c 165 s 26; RRS s 3135. Prior: See Reviser's note to RCW 16.44.020. Formerly RCW 16.44.130.]

catchline: Infected or exposed animals—Unlawful to transfer or expose other animals.


title: RCW 16.36.084

text:
Any person owning or having in his or her control any livestock which become infected with scrapie or another transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or which have been exposed to such disease, shall immediately report the disease or exposure to the director. It is unlawful for any person to fail to report or to attempt to conceal the existence of any such disease.
[ 1998 c 8 s 15; 1927 c 165 s 28; RRS s 3137. Prior: See Reviser's note to RCW 16.44.020. Formerly RCW 16.44.140.]

catchline: Duty to report infection or exposure to disease—Unlawful conduct.


title: RCW 16.36.086

text:
When any livestock affected with any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease mingle with any healthy livestock belonging to another person, through the fault or negligence of the owner of the diseased livestock or his or her agent, the owner is liable for all damages sustained by the owner of the healthy livestock.
[ 1998 c 8 s 16; 1927 c 165 s 32; RRS s 3141. Prior: See Reviser's note to RCW 16.44.020. Formerly RCW 16.44.160.]

catchline: Negligence of owner of infected livestock—Liability.


title: RCW 16.36.090

text:
When public welfare demands, the director may order the slaughter or destruction of any animal affected with or exposed to any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease that is affecting or may affect the health of the state's animal population. The director may order destruction of any animal held under quarantine when public welfare demands or the owner of the animal fails or refuses to follow a herd or flock plan. The director shall give a written order directing an animal be destroyed by or under the direction of the state veterinarian.
[ 2004 c 251 s 3; 1998 c 8 s 9; 1985 c 415 s 3; 1979 c 154 s 13; 1947 c 172 s 8; 1927 c 165 s 9; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 3118. Prior: 1901 c 112 s 3, part; 1895 c 167 s 5, part.]
Notes:
Severability—1979 c 154: See note following RCW 15.49.330.

catchline: Destruction of diseased or quarantined animals.


title: RCW 16.36.096

text:
In ordering the slaughter or destruction of any animal, the director may pay an indemnity in an amount not to exceed seventy-five percent of the appraised or salvage value of the animal ordered slaughtered or destroyed. The actual indemnity amount shall be established by the director by rule. Payment of indemnity does not apply to an animal: (1) Belonging to the federal government or any of its agencies, this state or any of its agencies, or any municipal corporation; or (2) that has been brought into this state in violation of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter.
[ 1998 c 8 s 10; 1985 c 415 s 4; 1963 ex.s. c 8 s 1.]

catchline: Destruction of animals—Payment of indemnity.


title: RCW 16.36.098

text:
Any person whose animal or animal reproductive products are placed under a quarantine, a hold order, or destruct order under RCW 16.36.090 may request a hearing. The request for a hearing must be in writing and filed with the director. Any hearing will be held in conformance with RCW 34.05.422 and 34.05.479.
[ 2004 c 251 s 4; 1998 c 8 s 17.]

catchline: Quarantine, hold order, or destruct order—Written request for hearing.


title: RCW 16.36.100

text:
The director is authorized to cooperate with and enter into agreements with governmental agencies of this state, other states, and agencies of federal government in order to carry out the purpose and provisions of this chapter and to promote consistency of regulation.
[ 1998 c 8 s 11; 1927 c 165 s 10; RRS s 3119. Prior: 1901 c 112 s 3, part; 1895 c 167 s 5, part.]

catchline: Cooperation with other governmental agencies.


title: RCW 16.36.102

text:
Every person owning or having in charge any livestock that has died because of disease shall dispose of the carcass within a time frame and in a manner prescribed in rule by the director, which may include, but is not limited to, burial, composting, incinerating, landfilling, natural decomposition, or rendering. Any livestock found dead from an unknown cause is presumed to have died because of disease.
[ 2006 c 155 s 1; 1949 c 100 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 3142-2. Formerly RCW 16.36.092, 16.68.020.]

catchline: Duty to bury carcass of diseased livestock—Dead livestock presumed diseased.


title: RCW 16.36.105

text:
No person shall feed garbage to swine without first obtaining a license from the director. The license expires on June 30th of each year. Application for a license shall be accompanied by a fee of ten dollars which shall be credited to the general fund. The license is nontransferable and a separate license is required for each place of business if an operator has more than one feeding station.
Upon receipt of an application for a license to feed garbage, the director shall inspect the premises and determine whether the applicant meets the requirements of 9 C.F.R. Chapter 1 Part 166 as adopted by rule and any other rules adopted under this chapter. Upon approval of the application by the director and compliance with the provisions of this section, the applicant shall be issued a license. This section does not apply to any person feeding garbage from his or her own domestic household.
[ 1998 c 8 s 12; 1953 c 17 s 4.]
Notes:
Feeding of carcasses to swine: RCW 16.68.150.

catchline: Swine, garbage feeding, license—Application—Fee—Inspection.


title: RCW 16.36.110

text:
(1) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Each day upon which a violation occurs constitutes a separate violation.
(2) The director may bring an action to enjoin the violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter in the superior court of Thurston county or of the county in which such violation occurs notwithstanding the existence of other remedies at law.
(3) The director may deny, revoke, or suspend any license issued under this chapter for any failure or refusal to comply with this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter. Upon notice by the director to deny, revoke, or suspend a license, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 1998 c 8 s 13; 1989 c 354 s 35; 1981 c 296 s 14; 1957 c 22 s 5. Prior: 1953 c 17 s 8; 1927 c 165 s 33; RRS s 3142.]
Notes:
Severability—1989 c 354: See note following RCW 15.36.012.
Severability—1981 c 296: See note following RCW 15.08.010.

catchline: Violations, gross misdemeanor—Injunction—Denial, revocation, or suspension of license.


title: RCW 16.36.113

text:
(1) Any person in violation of this chapter or its rules may be subject to a civil penalty in an amount of not more than one thousand dollars for each violation. Each violation is a separate and distinct offense. Every person who, through an act of commission or omission, procures, aids, or abets in the violation is in violation of this chapter or its rules and may be subject to the civil penalty provided in this section. Moneys collected under this section must be deposited in the state general fund.
(2) The department may charge a time and mileage fee for the cost of an investigation including inspecting animals and related records during an investigation of a proven violation of this chapter. The fee may be up to eighty-five dollars per hour and the current mileage rate set by the office of financial management. The director may increase the hourly fee by rule as necessary to cover costs of investigations. All fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in an account in the agricultural local fund and used to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
[ 2011 c 204 s 11; 2007 c 71 s 4.]

catchline: Violations of chapter or rules—Civil penalty—Moneys collected—Time and mileage fee.


title: RCW 16.36.116

text:
(1) Any person found transporting animals on the public roads of this state that are not accompanied by valid health certificates, permits, or other documents as required by this chapter or its rules has committed a class 1 civil infraction.
(2) Any person who knowingly transports or accepts delivery of live nonambulatory livestock to, from, or between any livestock market, feedlot, slaughtering facility, or similar facility that trades in livestock has committed a civil infraction and shall be assessed a monetary penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars. The transport or acceptance of each nonambulatory livestock animal is considered a separate and distinct violation. Livestock that was ambulatory prior to transport to a feedlot and becomes nonambulatory because of an injury sustained during transport may be unloaded and placed in a separate pen for rehabilitation at the feedlot. For the purposes of this section, "nonambulatory livestock" has the same meaning as in RCW 16.52.225.
(3) The director is authorized to issue notices of and enforce civil infractions in the manner prescribed under chapter 7.80 RCW.
[ 2009 c 347 s 1; 2007 c 71 s 3.]

catchline: Civil infraction—Live nonambulatory livestock—Monetary penalty—Authorization by director—Issuance of notices—Enforcement.


title: RCW 16.36.128

text:
Certain animals defined in this chapter as livestock or animal may also meet the definition of wildlife contained in Title 77 RCW. This chapter does not allow importation, possession, or uses of animals that are in violation of Title 77 RCW or the rules adopted under that title, nor does it relieve the owners or possessors of wildlife from full compliance with the requirements of Title 77 RCW or the rules adopted under that title. Rules adopted by the director shall not allow importation, possession, or uses of animals that are in violation of Title 77 RCW or the rules adopted under that title.
[ 1998 c 8 s 18.]

catchline: Application of Title 77 RCW.


title: RCW 16.36.140

text:
(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 Washington state animal health requirements. This subsection does not apply to animals that:
(a) Have been exempted by the director by rule; or
(b) Will be delivered within twelve hours after entry into Washington state to:
(i) A federally inspected slaughter plant; or
(ii) A licensed public livestock market for sale and subsequent delivery within twelve hours to a federally inspected slaughter plant.
(2) The director may monitor animals entering Washington state. Persons importing, transporting, receiving, feeding, or housing imported animals shall:
(a) Comply with the requirement and any exemptions specified in subsection (1) of this section; and
(b) Make the animal and related records available for inspection by the director.
(3) The director may adopt and enforce rules necessary to carry out the purpose and provisions of this section.
[ 2018 c 281 s 1; 2011 c 204 s 12; 2010 c 66 s 3.]

catchline: Bringing an animal into the state—Securing a certificate of veterinary inspection required—Exemptions—Director's authority—Rules.


title: RCW 16.36.150

text:
(1) The director shall adopt by rule a fee per head on cattle sold or slaughtered in the state or transported out of the state to administer animal disease traceability activities for cattle. The fee must be paid by:
(a) Sellers of cattle sold in the state, without exception;
(b) Owners of cattle that are transported out of Washington, unless an exception is provided by rule; and
(c) Owners of cattle slaughtered in the state.
(2) The fee adopted by the department may not exceed forty cents per head of cattle.
(3)(a) Except where the seller presents proof that the fee has been paid by a meat processor under (c) of this subsection, the fee required in this section must be paid by the owner of cattle receiving a livestock inspection issued by the department under chapter 16.57 RCW in the same manner as livestock inspection fees are collected under RCW 16.57.220.
(b) The fee required in this section must be paid from the owner of cattle not receiving a livestock inspection issued by the department under chapter 16.57 RCW by the fifteenth day of the month following the month the sale or transportation out-of-state occurred, or at a different time as designated by rule.
(c) When cattle are slaughtered, the fee required by this section must be collected from the seller of the cattle by the meat processor. The meat processor must transmit the fee to the department by the fifteenth day of the month following the month the transaction occurred, or at a different time as designated by rule. When cattle owned by a meat processor are slaughtered, the fee must be paid by the meat processor.
(4) All fees received by the department under this section must be deposited in the animal disease traceability account in the agricultural local fund created in RCW 43.23.230 to carry out animal disease traceability activities for cattle and to compensate the livestock identification program for data and fee collection.
(5) Any person failing to pay the fee established in this section has committed a class 1 civil infraction punishable as provided in RCW 7.80.120. Each violation is a separate and distinct offense.
[ 2011 c 204 s 2.]

catchline: Animal disease traceability activities for cattle—Fee—Penalty.


title: RCW 16.36.160

text:
By December 1st of each year, the department shall submit an activity report and financial statement on the implementation of the animal disease traceability activities to the animal disease traceability advisory committee created in *section 5 of this act.
[ 2011 c 204 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Section 5, chapter 204, Laws of 2011 was vetoed by the governor.

catchline: Activity report and financial statement—Animal disease traceability activities.


title: RCW 16.38.010

text:
The production of livestock is one of the largest industries in this state; and whereas livestock disease constitutes a constant threat to the public health and the production of livestock in this state; and whereas the prevention and control of such livestock diseases by the state may be best carried on by the establishment of a diagnostic service program for livestock diseases; therefore it is in the public interest and for the purpose of protecting health and general welfare that a livestock diagnostic service program be established.
[ 1969 c 100 s 1.]

catchline: Declaration of purpose.


title: RCW 16.38.020

text:
The director of agriculture is hereby authorized to carry on a diagnostic service program for the purpose of diagnosing any livestock disease which affects or may affect any livestock which is or may be produced in this state or otherwise handled in any manner for public distribution or consumption.
[ 1969 c 100 s 2.]

catchline: Director authorized to carry on diagnostic program.


title: RCW 16.38.030

text:
In carrying out such diagnostic service program the director of agriculture may employ, subject to the state civil service act, chapter 41.06 RCW, the necessary personnel to properly effectuate such diagnostic service program.
[ 1969 c 100 s 3.]

catchline: Employment of personnel.


title: RCW 16.38.040

text:
In carrying out such diagnostic service program the director of agriculture may enter into agreements and/or contracts with any other governmental agencies whether state or federal or public institution such as Washington State University or private institutions and/or research organizations.
[ 1969 c 100 s 4.]

catchline: Agreements and/or contracts with other entities.


title: RCW 16.38.050

text:
In carrying out such diagnostic service program, the director of agriculture may accept public or private funds, gifts or equipment or any other necessary properties.
[ 1969 c 100 s 5.]

catchline: Acceptance of gifts, funds, equipment, etc.


title: RCW 16.38.060

text:
The director may, following a public hearing, establish a schedule of fees for services performed in carrying out such diagnostic service program. All fees collected under this provision shall be retained by the director of agriculture to be spent only for carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
[ 1986 c 203 s 6; 1969 c 100 s 6.]

catchline: Schedule of fees may be established—Use.


title: RCW 16.49.005

text:
This chapter is intended to safeguard the household user of uninspected and inspected meat products from possible harm due to adulterated, misbranded, or unfit meat or meat products or meat or meat products that have been prepared under insanitary conditions.
[ 2000 c 99 s 1.]

catchline: Intent.


title: RCW 16.49.008

text:
(1) This chapter does not apply to the slaughter and preparation of one thousand or fewer pastured chickens in a calendar year by the agricultural producer of the chickens for the sale of whole raw chickens by the producer directly to the ultimate consumer at the producer's farm.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "chicken" means the species Gallus domesticus.
[ 2003 c 397 s 1.]

catchline: Application.


title: RCW 16.49.015

text:
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1) "Department" means the department of agriculture of the state of Washington.
(2) "Director" means the director of the department or the director's designee.
(3) "Custom farm slaughterer" means a person licensed to slaughter meat food animals for the owner of the animal through the use of a mobile unit.
(4) "Custom slaughtering establishment" means the facility operated by a person licensed to slaughter meat food animals for the owner of the animal at a fixed location.
(5) "Custom meat facility" means the facility operated by a person licensed to prepare uninspected meat for the owner of the uninspected meat. Operators of custom meat facilities may also sell prepackaged inspected meat to any person. This chapter does not prohibit the operator of a custom meat facility from being licensed to prepare at the facility and sell inspected meat to any person.
(6) "Inspected meat" means the carcasses or carcass parts of meat food animals which have been slaughtered and inspected at establishments subject to inspection under a federal meat inspection act.
(7) "Uninspected meat" means the carcasses or carcass parts of meat food animals that have been slaughtered by the owner of the animals, a custom farm slaughterer, or at a custom slaughtering establishment.
(8) "Household user" means the ultimate consumer, members of the consumer's household, and his or her nonpaying guests and employees.
(9) "Person" means any individual, partnership, association, and corporation.
(10) "Meat food animal" means cattle, swine, sheep, or goats.
(11) "Meat food bird" means a ratite, such as an ostrich, emu, or rhea.
(12) "Official establishment" means an establishment operated for the purpose of slaughtering meat food animals for sale or use as human food in compliance with the federal meat inspection act.
(13) "Prepared" means smoked, salted, rendered, boned, cut up, or otherwise processed.
[ 2000 c 99 s 2; 1999 c 291 s 28; 1987 c 77 s 4. Formerly RCW 16.49.435.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 77: "This act does not affect any existing right acquired or liability or obligation incurred under the sections amended or repealed in this act or under any rule, regulation, or order adopted under those sections, and does not affect any proceeding instituted under those sections." [ 1987 c 77 s 12.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 16.49.025

text:
The director shall enforce and carry out the provisions of this chapter and adopt rules necessary to carry out its purpose. The rules may include, but are not limited to:
(1) Requirements for construction, equipment, cleaning, sanitation, and sanitary practices to ensure sanitary operations;
(2) Requirements for identification or tagging of meat food animals slaughtered by licensees to maintain identification of the owner of the animal;
(3) Requirements for handling and storing inspected and uninspected meats and meat products;
(4) Requirements for labeling meat and meat products; and
(5) Requirements for slaughtering and processing of meat food birds by licensees.
[ 2000 c 99 s 3; 1987 c 77 s 5. Formerly RCW 16.49.680.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 77: See note following RCW 16.49.015.

catchline: Rules.


title: RCW 16.49.035

text:
(1) It is unlawful for any person to operate as a custom farm slaughterer or to operate a custom slaughtering establishment or custom meat facility in the state without first obtaining a license from the director. Custom farm slaughterers must obtain a separate license for each mobile unit. Separate licenses are required for each custom slaughtering establishment and custom meat facility.
(2) Application for a license must be made on a form prescribed by the director and accompanied by a twenty-five dollar license fee. The application must include:
(a) The full name and address of the applicant. If the applicant is a partnership or corporation, the application must include the full name and address of each partner or officer;
(b) The physical location address of each establishment or facility to be licensed;
(c) The name and address of a resident of this state authorized to accept legal notices for the applicant; and
(d) Any other information prescribed by the director.
(3) If an application for renewal of a license and the license fee are not received by June 30th, the applicant must pay an additional fee of twenty-five dollars before the renewal license is issued.
(4) Initial issuance of a license requires a prelicense inspection by the director for compliance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter. A license shall only be issued after an applicant is found to be in substantial compliance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.
(5) Licenses issued under this chapter expire June 30th of each year.
(6) Licenses issued under this chapter are not transferable.
[ 2000 c 99 s 4; 1991 c 109 s 4; 1987 c 77 s 1; 1985 c 415 s 5; 1959 c 204 s 44. Formerly RCW 16.49.440.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 77: See note following RCW 16.49.015.

catchline: Custom slaughtering and custom meat licenses—Generally.


title: RCW 16.49.045

text:
To determine compliance with this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter, the director may inspect the mobile unit of any custom farm slaughterer and the premises of any custom slaughtering establishment or custom meat facility at any reasonable time.
[ 2000 c 99 s 5; 1987 c 77 s 8. Formerly RCW 16.49.690.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 77: See note following RCW 16.49.015.

catchline: Inspections.


title: RCW 16.49.055

text:
Inspected and uninspected meat may only be prepared by a custom meat facility under the following conditions:
(1) Inspected meat and meat products prepared from inspected meat must be kept separated from uninspected meat and meat products prepared from uninspected meat to prevent inspected meat from coming into contact with uninspected meat.
(2) Preparation of inspected meat and uninspected meat must be done at different times.
(3) Equipment used in preparing uninspected meat or products prepared from uninspected meat must be cleaned and sanitized before being used to prepare inspected meat.
(4) Uninspected meat may be prepared only for the use of the owner, who must be a household user.
(5) Uninspected meat and meat products prepared from uninspected meat must be clearly marked and labeled "not for sale".
(6) Packages of uninspected meat may not be stored in a retail counter.
[ 2000 c 99 s 6; 1987 c 77 s 3; 1985 c 415 s 7; 1971 ex.s. c 98 s 3. Formerly RCW 16.49.610.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 77: See note following RCW 16.49.015.

catchline: Custom meat facilities—Conditions for preparation of inspected and uninspected meat.


title: RCW 16.49.065

text:
A licensed custom farm slaughterer may transport the offal of a meat food animal he or she has slaughtered for the owner, when it is transported as part of a slaughtering transaction and the offal is handled in a sanitary manner.
[ 2000 c 99 s 7; 1967 ex.s. c 120 s 4. Formerly RCW 16.49.451.]

catchline: Licensed custom farm slaughterer—Transport of offal.


title: RCW 16.49.075

text:
It is unlawful for any person to:
(1) Sell, trade, or give away uninspected meat or meat products; or
(2) Interfere with the director in the performance of his or her duties under this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter.
[ 2000 c 99 s 8; 1987 c 77 s 9. Formerly RCW 16.49.700.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 77: See note following RCW 16.49.015.

catchline: Unlawful acts—Selling, trading, or giving away uninspected meat or meat products—Interfering with director's duties.


title: RCW 16.49.085

text:
The director may investigate any violation or possible violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter. To assist in such investigation, the director may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or to compel production of records or documents anywhere in the state.
[ 2000 c 99 s 9; 1987 c 77 s 10. Formerly RCW 16.49.710.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 77: See note following RCW 16.49.015.

catchline: Violations of chapter or rules—Investigation by director—Subpoenas.


title: RCW 16.49.095

text:
(1) The director may deny, suspend, or revoke any license required under this chapter if the director determines that an applicant or licensee has committed any of the following acts:
(a) Refused, neglected, or failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter, the rules adopted under this chapter, or any lawful order of the director;
(b) Refused, neglected, or failed to keep and maintain records required under this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter to make the records available to the director on request;
(c) Refused the director access to any facilities or parts of the facilities for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter; or
(d) Refused, neglected, or failed to comply with any provisions of chapter 15.130 RCW or rules adopted under that chapter.
(2) Upon receipt of notice by the director to deny, suspend, or revoke a license, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 2018 c 236 s 710; 2000 c 99 s 10; 1994 c 128 s 1; 1985 c 415 s 12. Formerly RCW 16.49.444.]

catchline: Denial, suspension, revocation of license—Grounds—Request for hearing.


title: RCW 16.49.105

text:
Any person who fails to comply with this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter may be subject to a civil penalty in an amount of not more than one thousand dollars per violation per day. Each violation is a separate and distinct offense.
All moneys collected for civil penalties under this chapter shall be deposited in the state general fund.
[ 2000 c 99 s 11; 1994 c 128 s 2; 1985 c 415 s 6; 1959 c 204 s 51. Formerly RCW 16.49.510.]

catchline: Noncompliance with chapter or rules—Civil penalty.


title: RCW 16.49.115

text:
Chapter 34.05 RCW governs the rights, remedies, and procedures respecting the administration of this chapter, including rule making, assessment of civil penalties, emergency actions, and license suspension, revocation, or denial.
[ 2000 c 99 s 12.]

catchline: Application of administrative procedure act.


title: RCW 16.49.125

text:
The provisions of this chapter relating to the sale of inspected meat in custom meat facilities do not supersede or restrict the authority of any county or any city to adopt ordinances that are more restrictive for the handling and sale of inspected meat than those provided in this chapter.
[ 2000 c 99 s 13; 1999 c 291 s 29; 1987 c 77 s 11; 1971 ex.s. c 98 s 9. Formerly RCW 16.49.670.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 77: See note following RCW 16.49.015.

catchline: Custom meat facilities—Sale of inspected meat—Ordinances may be more restrictive.


title: RCW 16.50.100

text:
The legislature of the state of Washington finds that the use of humane methods in the slaughter of livestock prevents needless suffering; results in safer and better working conditions for persons engaged in the slaughtering industry; brings about improvement of products and economy in slaughtering operations; and produces other benefits for producers, processors and consumers which tend to expedite the orderly flow of livestock and their products. It is therefore declared to be the policy of the state of Washington to require that the slaughter of all livestock, and the handling of livestock in connection with slaughter, shall be carried out only by humane methods and to provide that methods of slaughter shall conform generally to those authorized by the Federal Humane Slaughter Act of 1958, and regulations thereunder.
[ 1967 c 31 s 1.]

catchline: Declaration of policy.


title: RCW 16.50.110

text:
For the purpose of this chapter:
(1) "Department" means the department of agriculture of the state of Washington.
(2) "Director" means the director of the department or his or her duly appointed representative.
(3) "Humane method" means either: (a) A method whereby the animal is rendered insensible to pain by mechanical, electrical, chemical, or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut; or (b) a method in accordance with the ritual requirements of any religious faith whereby the animal suffers loss of consciousness by anemia of the brain caused by the simultaneous and instantaneous severance of the carotid arteries with a sharp instrument.
(4) "Livestock" means cattle, calves, sheep, swine, horses, mules, and goats.
(5) "Packer" means any person engaged in the business of slaughtering livestock.
(6) "Person" means a natural person, individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, society, and association and every officer, agent, or employee, thereof. This term shall import either the singular or plural, as the case may be.
(7) "Slaughterer" means any person engaged in the commercial or custom slaughtering of livestock, including custom farm slaughterers.
[ 2011 c 336 s 421; 1967 c 31 s 2.]


title: RCW 16.50.120

text:
No slaughterer or packer shall bleed or slaughter any livestock except by a humane method: PROVIDED, That the director may, by administrative order, exempt a person from compliance with this chapter for a period of not to exceed six months if he or she finds that an earlier compliance would cause such person undue hardship.
[ 2011 c 336 s 422; 1967 c 31 s 3.]

catchline: Humane methods for bleeding or slaughtering livestock required.


title: RCW 16.50.130

text:
The director shall administer the provisions of this chapter. He or she shall adopt and may from time to time revise rules which shall conform substantially to the rules and regulations promulgated by the secretary of agriculture of the United States pursuant to the federal humane slaughter act of 1958, Public Law 85-765, 72 Stat. 862 and any amendments thereto. Such rules shall be adopted pursuant to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW as enacted or hereafter amended concerning the adoption of rules.
[ 2011 c 336 s 423; 1967 c 31 s 4.]

catchline: Administration of chapter—Rules.


title: RCW 16.50.140

text:
The use of a manually operated hammer, sledge or poleaxe is declared to be an inhumane method of slaughter within the meaning of this chapter.
[ 1967 c 31 s 5.]

catchline: Manually operated hammer, sledge or poleaxe—Declared inhumane.


title: RCW 16.50.150

text:
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit, abridge, or in any way hinder the religious freedom of any person or group. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, ritual slaughter and the handling or other preparation of livestock for ritual slaughter is defined as humane.
[ 1967 c 31 s 10.]

catchline: Religious freedom—Ritual slaughter defined as humane.


title: RCW 16.50.160

text:
The director may bring an action to enjoin the violation or threatened violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter in the superior court in the county in which such violation occurs or is about to occur, notwithstanding the existence of the other remedies at law.
[ 1967 c 31 s 6.]

catchline: Injunctions against violations.


title: RCW 16.50.170

text:
Any person violating any provision of this chapter or of any rule adopted hereunder is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars or confinement in the county jail for not more than ninety days.
[ 1967 c 31 s 7.]

catchline: Penalty for violations.


title: RCW 16.52.011

text:
(1) Principles of liability as defined in chapter 9A.08 RCW apply to this chapter.
(2) The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Abandons" means the knowing or reckless desertion of an animal by its owner, or by a person who has taken control, custody, or possession of an animal that was involved in animal fighting as described in RCW 16.52.117, or the causing of the animal to be deserted by its owner, in any place, without making provisions for the animal's adequate care.
(b) "Animal" means any nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian.
(c) "Animal care and control agency" means any city or county animal control agency or authority authorized to enforce city or county municipal ordinances regulating the care, control, licensing, or treatment of animals within the city or county, and any corporation organized under RCW 16.52.020 that contracts with a city or county to enforce the city or county ordinances governing animal care and control.
(d) "Animal control officer" means any individual employed, contracted, or appointed pursuant to RCW 16.52.025 by an animal care and control agency or humane society to aid in the enforcement of ordinances or laws regulating the care and control of animals. For purposes of this chapter, the term "animal control officer" shall be interpreted to include "humane officer" as defined in (h) of this subsection and RCW 16.52.025.
(e) "Dog" means an animal of the species Canis lupus familiaris.
(f) "Euthanasia" means the humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that involves instantaneous unconsciousness and immediate death, or by a method that causes painless loss of consciousness, and death during the loss of consciousness.
(g) "Food" means food or feed appropriate to the species for which it is intended.
(h) "Humane officer" means any individual employed, contracted, or appointed by an animal care and control agency or humane society as authorized under RCW 16.52.025.
(i) "Law enforcement agency" means a general authority Washington law enforcement agency as defined in RCW 10.93.020.
(j) "Livestock" includes, but is not limited to, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and bison.
(k) "Malice" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 9A.04.110, but applied to acts against animals.
(l) "Necessary food" means the provision of species-appropriate food that is easily accessible to the animal and of sufficient quantity and quality to sustain the animal in good health and allow for normal growth or maintenance of healthy body weight, provided at suitable intervals for the species, age, and condition of the animal, but at least once daily unless daily feeding is not suitable for the species, and placed so as to minimize contamination by excrement and pests, or as directed by a veterinarian for medical reasons.
(m) "Necessary medical attention" means veterinary care as deemed necessary by a reasonably prudent person to prevent or relieve in a timely manner distress from injury, neglect, or physical infirmity.
(n) "Necessary sanitation" means that both indoor areas and outdoor enclosures are kept reasonably clean and free from excess waste, garbage, noxious odors, or other contaminants, objects, or other animals that could cause harm to the animal's health and well-being.
(o) "Necessary shelter" means a structure sufficient to protect an animal from wind, rain, snow, cold, heat, or sun that has bedding to permit an animal to remain dry and reasonably clean and maintain a normal body temperature.
(p) "Necessary space" means continuous access to an area with the following:
(i) Adequate space for exercise necessary for the physical health and well-being of the animal based on the animal's species, age, or physical condition;
(ii) Temperature and ventilation suitable to the health and well-being of the animal based on the animal's species, age, or physical condition; and
(iii) Regular diurnal lighting cycles of either natural or artificial light.
(q) "Necessary water" means the provision of open or adequate access to potable water of a drinkable temperature that is easily accessible to the animal, in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal's needs and placed so as to minimize contamination of the water by excrement and pests, or as directed by a veterinarian for medical reasons.
(r) "Owner" means a person who has a right, claim, title, legal share, or right of possession to an animal or a person having control, custody, or possession of an animal.
(s) "Person" means individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, or other legal entities, and agents of those entities.
(t) "Substantial bodily harm" means substantial bodily harm as defined in RCW 9A.04.110.
(u) "Tether" means: (i) To restrain an animal by tying or securing the animal to any object or structure; and (ii) a device including, but not limited to, a chain, rope, cable, cord, tie-out, pulley, or trolley system for restraining an animal.
[ 2025 c 220 s 1; 2020 c 158 s 2; 2019 c 174 s 3; 2017 c 65 s 2. Prior: 2015 c 235 s 2; prior: 2011 c 172 s 1; 2011 c 67 s 3; 2009 c 287 s 1; 2007 c 376 s 2; 1994 c 261 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: "The legislature finds there is a need to modernize the law on animal cruelty to more appropriately address the nature of the offense. It is not the intent of this act to remove or decrease any of the exemptions from the statutes on animal cruelty that now apply to customary animal husbandry practices, state game or fish laws, rodeos, fairs under chapter 15.76 RCW, or medical research otherwise authorized under federal or state law. It is the intent of this act to require the enforcement of chapter 16.52 RCW by persons who are accountable to elected officials at the local and state level." [ 1994 c 261 s 1.]

catchline: Definitions—Principles of liability.


title: RCW 16.52.015

text:
(1) Law enforcement agencies and animal care and control agencies may enforce the provisions of this chapter. Animal care and control agencies may enforce the provisions of this chapter in a county or city only if the county or city legislative authority has entered into a contract with the agency to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Animal control officers enforcing this chapter shall comply with the same constitutional and statutory restrictions concerning the execution of police powers imposed on law enforcement officers who enforce this chapter and other criminal laws of the state of Washington.
(3) Animal control officers have the following enforcement powers when enforcing this chapter:
(a) The power to issue civil penalties based on violations under RCW 16.52.360;
(b) The power to issue citations based on probable cause to offenders for civil infractions and misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor violations of this chapter or RCW 9.08.070 through 9.08.078 or 81.48.070;
(c) The power to cause a law enforcement officer to arrest and take into custody any person the animal control officer has probable cause to believe has committed or is committing a violation of this chapter or RCW 9.08.070 or 81.48.070. Animal control officers may make an oral complaint to a prosecuting attorney or a law enforcement officer to initiate arrest. The animal control officer causing the arrest shall file with the arresting agency a written complaint within 24 hours of the arrest, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, stating the alleged act or acts constituting a violation;
(d) The power to carry nonfirearm protective devices for personal protection;
(e) The power to prepare affidavits in support of search warrants and to execute search warrants when accompanied by law enforcement officers to investigate violations of this chapter or RCW 9.08.070 or 81.48.070, and to seize evidence of those violations.
(4) Upon request of an animal control officer who has probable cause to believe that a person has violated this chapter or RCW 9.08.070 or 81.48.070, a law enforcement agency officer may arrest the alleged offender.
[ 2023 c 208 s 2; 2011 c 172 s 2; 2003 c 53 s 110; 1994 c 261 s 3.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.

catchline: Enforcement—Law enforcement agencies and animal care and control agencies.


title: RCW 16.52.020

text:
Any citizens of the state of Washington incorporated under the laws of this state as a humane society or as a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals may enforce the provisions of this chapter through its animal control officers subject to the limitations in RCW 16.52.015 and 16.52.025. The legislative authority in each county may grant exclusive authority to exercise the privileges and authority granted by this section to one or more qualified corporations for a period of up to three years based upon ability to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
[ 1994 c 261 s 4; 1973 1st ex.s. c 125 s 1; 1901 c 146 s 1; RRS s 3184.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.

catchline: Humane societies—Enforcement authority.


title: RCW 16.52.025

text:
Trustees of humane societies incorporated pursuant to RCW 16.52.020 may appoint society members to act as animal control officers. The trustee appointments shall be in writing. The appointment shall be effective in a particular county only if an appointee obtains written authorization from the superior court of the county in which the appointee seeks to enforce this chapter. To obtain judicial authorization, an appointee seeking judicial authorization on or after June 9, 1994, shall provide evidence satisfactory to the judge that the appointee has successfully completed training which has prepared the appointee to assume the powers granted to animal control officers pursuant to RCW 16.52.015. The trustees shall review appointments every three years and may revoke an appointment at any time by filing a certified revocation with the superior court that approved the appointment. Authorizations shall not exceed three years or trustee termination, whichever occurs first. To qualify for reappointment when a term expires on or after June 9, 1994, the officer shall obtain training or satisfy the court that the officer has sufficient experience to exercise the powers granted to animal control officers pursuant to RCW 16.52.015.
[ 1994 c 261 s 5.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.

catchline: Humane societies—Animal control officers.


title: RCW 16.52.080

text:
Any person who wilfully transports or confines or causes to be transported or confined any domestic animal or animals in a manner, posture or confinement that will jeopardize the safety of the animal or the public shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. And whenever any such person shall be taken into custody or be subject to arrest pursuant to a valid warrant therefor by any officer or authorized person, such officer or person may take charge of the animal or animals; and any necessary expense thereof shall be a lien thereon to be paid before the animal or animals may be recovered; and if the expense is not paid, it may be recovered from the owner of the animal or the person guilty.
[ 1982 c 114 s 5; 1974 ex.s. c 12 s 1; 1901 c 146 s 5; RRS s 3188. Prior: 1893 c 27 s 2, part; Code 1881 s 930, part.]
Notes:
Cruelty to stock in transit: RCW 81.48.070.

catchline: Transporting or confining in unsafe manner—Penalty.


title: RCW 16.52.085

text:
(1) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Minimum care" means care sufficient to preserve the physical and mental health and well-being of an animal and includes, but is not limited to, the following requirements:
(i) Food of sufficient nutrition, quantity, and quality to allow for normal growth or maintenance of healthy body weight;
(ii) Open or adequate access to potable water of a drinkable temperature in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal's needs;
(iii) Shelter sufficient to protect the animal from wind, rain, snow, sun, or other environmental or weather conditions based on the animal's species, age, or physical condition;
(iv) Veterinary or other care as may be deemed necessary by a reasonably prudent person to prevent or relieve in a timely manner distress from injury, neglect, or physical infirmity; and
(v) Continuous access to an area:
(A) With adequate space for exercise necessary for the physical and mental health and well-being of the animal. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of debility, stress, or abnormal behavior patterns;
(B) With temperature and ventilation suitable for the health and well-being of the animal based on the animal's species, age, or physical condition;
(C) With regular diurnal lighting cycles of either natural or artificial light; and
(D) Kept reasonably clean and free from excess waste, garbage, noxious odors, or other contaminants, objects, or other animals that could cause harm to the animal's health and well-being.
(b) "Physical infirmity" includes, but is not limited to, starvation, dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, muscle atrophy, restriction of blood flow to a limb or organ, mange or other skin disease, or parasitic infestation.
(c) "Physical injury" includes, but is not limited to, substantial physical pain, fractures, cuts, burns, punctures, bruises, or other wounds or illnesses produced by violence or by a thermal or chemical agent.
(d) "Serious physical injury or infirmity" means physical injury or physical infirmity that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes protracted disfigurement, protracted impairment of health, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a limb or bodily organ.
(2)(a) If a law enforcement officer or animal control officer has probable cause to believe that an owner of a domestic animal has violated this chapter or a person owns, cares for, or resides with an animal in violation of RCW 16.52.200 or a pretrial order by a court, the officer, after obtaining a warrant, may enter the premises where the animal is located and seize the animal.
(b) If a law enforcement officer or an animal control officer has probable cause to believe an animal is in imminent danger or is suffering serious physical injury or infirmity, or needs immediate medical attention, the officer may enter onto private property without a warrant to:
(i) Render emergency aid to the animal; or
(ii) Seize the animal without a warrant. Any animal seized without a warrant shall immediately be brought to a veterinarian licensed in the state of Washington to provide medical attention and to assess the health of the animal.
(c) A law enforcement officer or an animal control officer is not liable for any damages for entry onto private property without a warrant under this section, provided that the officer does not use any more force than is reasonably necessary to enter upon the property and remove the animal.
(3)(a) An animal seized under this section may be placed into the custody of an animal care and control agency, into foster care that is not associated in any way with the owner, or with a nonprofit humane society, nonprofit animal sanctuary, or nonprofit rescue organization. In determining what is a suitable placement, the officer shall consider the animal's needs, including its size, medical needs, and behavioral characteristics. Any person or custodial agency receiving an animal seized under this section shall provide the animal with minimum care.
(b) If a seized animal is placed into foster care or with a nonprofit animal sanctuary or rescue organization, the seizing agency shall retain constructive custody of the animal, shall have the duty to ensure the animal receives minimum care, and may draw from the bond under subsection (5) of this section and distribute the funds to the foster home, authorized humane society, sanctuary, or rescue organization that is authorized to care for the animal.
(4) The owner from whom the animal was seized shall be provided with notice of the right to petition for immediate return of the animal and shall be afforded an opportunity to petition for such a civil hearing before the animal is deemed abandoned and forfeited. Any owner whose animal is seized by a law enforcement officer or animal control officer under this section shall, within 72 hours following the seizure, be given written notice of the circumstances of the removal and notice of legal remedies available to the owner. The notice shall be given by posting at the place of seizure, by delivery to the last known or suspected owner in person or a person residing at the place of seizure, or by registered mail to the last known or suspected owner. Such notice shall include:
(a) The name, business address, and telephone number of the law enforcement agency or animal care and control agency responsible for seizing the animal;
(b) A description of the seized animal;
(c) The authority and purpose for the seizure, including the time, place, and circumstances under which the animal was seized;
(d) A statement that the owner is responsible for the cost of care for an animal who was lawfully seized, and that the owner will be required to post a bond with the clerk of the district court of the county from which the animal was seized to defray the cost of minimum care pursuant to subsection (5) of this section within 14 calendar days of the seizure or the animal will be deemed abandoned and forfeited; and
(e) A statement that the owner has a right to petition the district court for a civil hearing for immediate return of the animal and that in order to receive a hearing, the owner or owner's agent must request the civil hearing by signing and returning to the court an enclosed petition within 14 calendar days after the date of seizure. The enclosed petition must be in substantially the same form as set forth in subsection (13) of this section.
(5)(a) When an animal is seized pursuant to this section, the owner shall post a bond with the district court in an amount sufficient to provide minimum care for each animal seized for 30 days, including the day on which the animal was taken into custody, regardless of whether the animal is the subject of a criminal charge. Such bond shall be filed with the clerk of the district court of the county from which the animal was seized within 14 calendar days after the day the animal is seized.
(b)(i) If an owner fails to post a bond by 5:00 p.m. on the 14th calendar day after the day the animal was seized as required under this section, the animal is deemed abandoned and the owner's interest in the animal is forfeited to the custodial agency by operation of law in accordance with the notice provided in subsection (4) of this section.
(ii) A petition required by subsection (4)(e) of this section may be filed in the district court of the county from which an animal was seized concerning any animal seized pursuant to this section. Copies of the petition must be served on the law enforcement agency or animal care and control agency responsible for seizing the animal and the prosecuting attorney.
(iii) An owner's failure to file a written petition by 5:00 p.m. on the 14th calendar day after the day the animal was seized shall constitute a waiver of the right to file a petition under this subsection and the animal is deemed abandoned and the owner's interest in the animal is forfeited to the custodial agency by operation of law unless a bond has been posted pursuant to this subsection (5). The court may extend the 14-day period to file a written petition by an additional 14 calendar days if the petitioner did not have actual notice of the seizure and the court finds, on the record and in writing, that there are exceptional and compelling circumstances justifying the extension.
(c)(i) Upon receipt of a petition pursuant to (b) of this subsection, the court shall set a civil hearing on the petition. The hearing shall be conducted within 30 calendar days after the filing of the petition.
(ii) At the hearing requested by the owner, the rules of civil procedure shall apply and the respondent shall have the burden of establishing probable cause to believe that the seized animal was subjected to a violation of this chapter. The owner shall have an opportunity to be heard before the court makes its final finding. If the court finds that probable cause exists, the court shall order the owner to post a bond as required by this subsection (5) within 72 hours of the hearing, and if the owner fails to do so, the seized animal is deemed abandoned and the owner's interest in the animal is forfeited to the custodial agency by operation of law. If the respondent does not meet its burden of proof, the court may order the animal returned to the owner at no cost to the owner, subject to conditions set by the court. If the court orders the return of an animal to the owner, the court may also order:
(A) Reasonable attorney fees for the owner; and
(B) A full refund of the bond posted pursuant to this subsection (5) by the owner for the care of the animal.
(d)(i) If a bond has been posted in accordance with this subsection (5), subsequent court proceedings shall be given court calendar priority so long as the animal remains in the custody of the custodial agency and the custodial agency may draw from the bond the actual reasonable costs incurred by the agency in providing minimum care to the animal from the date of seizure to the date of final disposition of the animal in the criminal action.
(ii) At the end of the time for which expenses are covered by the bond, if the owner seeks to prevent disposition of the animal by the custodial agency, the owner shall post a new bond with the court within 72 hours following the prior bond's expiration. If an owner fails to post or renew a bond as required under this subsection (5), the animal is deemed abandoned and the owner's interest in the animal is forfeited to the custodial agency by operation of law.
(e) For the purposes of this subsection (5), "animal" includes all unborn offspring of the seized animal and all offspring of the seized animal born after the animal was seized.
(6) When an animal is seized from a person prohibited from owning, caring for, possessing, or residing with animals under RCW 16.52.200 or an order issued pursuant to RCW 16.52.117, 16.52.205, or 16.52.207, the animal is immediately and permanently forfeited by operation of law to the custodial agency and no court action is necessary.
(7) If an animal is forfeited to a custodial agency according to the provisions of this section, the agency to which the animal was forfeited may place the animal with a new owner; provided that the agency may not place the animal with family members or friends of the former owner or with anyone who lives in the same household as the former owner. At the time of placement, the agency must provide the new owner with notice that it may constitute a crime for the former owner to own, care for, possess, or reside with the animal at any time in the future.
(8) A custodial agency may authorize a veterinarian or veterinary technician licensed in the state of Washington or a certified euthanasia technician certified in the state of Washington to euthanize a seized animal for humane reasons at any time if the animal is severely injured, sick, diseased, or suffering.
(9) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the voluntary, permanent relinquishment of any animal by its owner to a law enforcement officer, animal control officer, or animal care and control agency. Voluntary relinquishment has no effect on the criminal charges that may be pursued by the appropriate authorities.
(10) Nothing in this chapter requires court action for taking custody of, caring for, and properly disposing of stray, feral, at-large, or abandoned animals, or wild animals not owned or kept as pets or livestock, as lawfully performed by law enforcement agencies or animal care and control agencies.
(11) Any authorized person caring for, treating, or attempting to restore an animal to health under this chapter shall not be civilly or criminally liable for such action.
(12) The provisions of this section are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the provisions of RCW 16.52.200.
(13) A petition for a civil hearing for the immediate return of a seized animal shall be in a form substantially similar to the following:
"IN THE . . . . . COURT
OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR
THE COUNTY OF . . . . . .
. . . .,
No. . . . .
Petitioner,
vs.
PETITION FOR
. . . .,
RETURN OF SEIZED
Respondent
ANIMALS
PARTIES/JURISDICTION
(a)(i) That Petitioner is, and at all relevant times herein was, a resident of . . . . . (county of residence) County, Washington.
(ii) That Respondent is, and at all relevant times herein was, an agent, contractor, or political subdivision of the City/County of . . . . . (city or county of seizing agency), State of Washington.
(iii) That Petitioner's animal/animals were seized by Respondent in . . . . . (county where animals were seized) County, Washington.
(iv) That this Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties hereto.
FACTS
(b)(i) That upon seizure of . . . . (number and type of animals) such animals were placed in the care and custody of the Respondent on . . . . (date of seizure).
(ii) That on or about . . . . (date on notice) the Respondent issued a seizure, bond, and forfeiture notice under RCW 16.52.085, a true and correct copy of said notice and accompanying attachments is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A (attach a copy of the notice of seizure to this petition).
(iii) That pursuant to such notice, Petitioner herein files this petition for the immediate return of all such seized animals pursuant to RCW 16.52.085.
PRAYER
(c) Petitioner prays that this Court grant said petition and order the immediate return of Petitioner's aforementioned animals to Petitioner's care and custody.
DATED the . . . day of ........, ....
By: ...................................
Petitioner (Signature)["]
[ 2025 c 220 s 2; 2023 c 246 s 2; 2020 c 158 s 3; 2016 c 181 s 1; 2011 c 172 s 3; 2009 c 287 s 2; 1994 c 261 s 6; 1987 c 335 s 1; 1974 ex.s. c 12 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—2023 c 246: "The legislature finds and declares that:
(1) The use of preconviction civil remedies is not an affront to the presumption of innocence and shall be used to satisfy the interest of the state in mitigating the suffering of animals by expediting the disposition of animal victims seized during animal cruelty investigations.
(2) Washington has an interest in facilitating the mitigation of costs of care incurred by a government agency, an animal care and control agency or its agent, or a person or agency that provides treatment for seized animals. A government agency, an animal care and control agency or its agent, or a person or agency that provides care and treatment for seized animals may mitigate the costs of the care and treatment through funding that is separate from, and in addition to, any recovery of reasonable costs that a court orders a defendant to pay while a forfeiture proceeding is pending or subsequent to a conviction.
(3) The purpose of this act is to provide a means by which a neglected or abused animal, an animal involved in animal fighting, or an animal kept in violation of RCW 16.52.200 or a court order may be removed from its present custody and protected, cared for, and disposed of appropriately and humanely.
(4) The laws and rules of Washington that are applicable to civil asset forfeiture do not apply to the seizure and forfeiture of animals under this section." [ 2023 c 246 s 1.]
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
Construction—1987 c 335: "Nothing in this act shall be construed as expanding or diminishing, in any manner whatsoever, any authority granted officers under RCW 16.52.020 or 16.52.030." [ 1987 c 335 s 6.]
Severability—1987 c 335: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1987 c 335 s 7.]

catchline: Seizure of animal for abuse or neglect—Process—Notice—Forfeiture of animal—Petition for a civil hearing for the immediate return of a seized animal.


title: RCW 16.52.090

text:
Every person who shall cut or cause to be cut, or assist in cutting the solid part of the tail of any horse in the operation known as "docking," or in any other operation for the purpose of shortening the tail or changing the carriage thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1901 c 146 s 6; RRS s 3189. FORMER PART OF SECTION: Code 1881 s 840; 1871 p 103 s 1; RRS s 3206, now codified as RCW 16.52.095.]

catchline: Docking horses—Misdemeanor.


title: RCW 16.52.095

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, it is a misdemeanor:
(a) For any person to cut off more than one-half of the ear or ears of any domestic animal such as an ox, cow, bull, calf, sheep, goat, or hog; or
(b) For any person to:
(i) Devocalize a dog;
(ii) Crop or cut off any part of the ear of a dog; or
(iii) Crop or cut off any part of the tail of a dog that is seven days old or older, or has opened its eyes, whichever occurs sooner.
(2) This section does not apply if the person performing the procedure is a licensed veterinarian utilizing accepted veterinary surgical protocols that may include local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or perioperative pain management.
[ 2020 c 158 s 4; 1994 c 261 s 7; Code 1881 s 840; 1871 p 103 s 1; RRS s 3206. Formerly RCW 16.52.090, part.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.


title: RCW 16.52.100

text:
(1) If any domestic animal is impounded or confined without necessary food and water for more than 24 consecutive hours, any person may, from time to time, as is necessary, enter into and open any pound or place of confinement in which any domestic animal is confined, and supply it with necessary food and water so long as it is confined. The person shall not be liable to action for the entry, and may collect from the animal's owner the reasonable cost of the food and water. The animal shall be subject to attachment for the costs and shall not be exempt from levy and sale upon execution issued upon a judgment.
(2) An investigating officer may enter into and upon a property, building, dwelling, or vehicle to provide a confined animal necessary food and water prior to the animal being without necessary food or water for 24 consecutive hours if the officer has probable cause to believe the animal's health or life is in imminent danger. If an investigating officer finds it extremely difficult to supply confined animals with food and water, the officer may remove the animals to protective custody for that purpose.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring an investigating officer to wait for an animal to be confined or impounded without necessary food or water for 24 consecutive hours before making a determination that the animal has been abandoned.
(4) When determining if an animal has been abandoned under this chapter, a determination of abandonment by an officer must be based on probable cause.
[ 2025 c 220 s 3; 1994 c 261 s 10; 1982 c 114 s 6; 1901 c 146 s 12; RRS s 3195.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.

catchline: Confinement without food and water—Intervention by others.


title: RCW 16.52.117

text:
(1) A person commits the crime of animal fighting if the person knowingly does any of the following, causes a minor to do any of the following, or aids or abets any of the following:
(a) Owns, possesses, keeps, breeds, trains, buys, sells, or advertises or offers for sale any animal with the intent that the animal shall be engaged in an exhibition of fighting with another animal;
(b) Promotes, organizes, conducts, participates in, is a spectator of, advertises, prepares, or performs any service in the furtherance of, an exhibition of animal fighting, transports spectators to an animal fight, or provides or serves as a stakeholder for any money wagered on an animal fight;
(c) Keeps or uses any place for the purpose of animal fighting, or manages or accepts payment of admission to any place kept or used for the purpose of animal fighting;
(d) Suffers or permits any place over which the person has possession or control to be occupied, kept, or used for the purpose of an exhibition of animal fighting;
(e) Steals, takes, leads away, possesses, confines, sells, transfers, or receives an animal with the intent of using the animal for animal fighting, or for training or baiting for the purpose of animal fighting; or
(f) Owns, possesses, buys, sells, transfers, or manufactures animal fighting paraphernalia for the purpose of engaging in, promoting, or facilitating animal fighting, or for baiting a live animal for the purpose of animal fighting.
(2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
(b) A person who intentionally mutilates an animal in furtherance of an animal fighting offense as described in subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
(3) Nothing in this section prohibits the following:
(a) The use of dogs in the management of livestock, as defined by chapter 16.57 RCW, by the owner of the livestock or the owner's employees or agents or other persons in lawful custody of the livestock;
(b) The use of dogs in hunting as permitted by law; or
(c) The training of animals or the use of equipment in the training of animals for any purpose not prohibited by law.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "animal fighting paraphernalia" includes equipment, products, implements, or materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, conditioning, or furtherance of animal fighting, and includes, but is not limited to: Cat mills; fighting pits; springpoles; unprescribed veterinary medicine; treatment supplies; and gaffs, slashers, heels, and any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a cock or game fowl.
[ 2025 c 220 s 4; 2019 c 174 s 1; 2015 c 235 s 3; 2006 c 287 s 1; 2005 c 481 s 3; 1994 c 261 s 11; 1982 c 114 s 9.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.


title: RCW 16.52.180

text:
No part of this chapter shall be deemed to interfere with any of the laws of this state known as the "game laws," nor be deemed to interfere with the right to destroy any venomous reptile or any known as dangerous to life, limb or property, or to interfere with the right to kill animals to be used for food or with any properly conducted scientific experiments or investigations, which experiments or investigations shall be performed only under the authority of the faculty of some regularly incorporated college or university of the state of Washington or a research facility registered with the United States department of agriculture and regulated by 7 U.S.C. Sec. 2131 et seq.
[ 1994 c 261 s 12; 1901 c 146 s 18; RRS s 3201.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.

catchline: Limitations on application of chapter.


title: RCW 16.52.185

text:
Nothing in this chapter applies to accepted husbandry practices used in the commercial raising or slaughtering of livestock or poultry, or products thereof or to the use of animals in the normal and usual course of rodeo events or to the customary use or exhibiting of animals in normal and usual events at fairs as defined in RCW 15.76.120.
[ 1994 c 261 s 22; 1982 c 114 s 10.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.

catchline: Exclusions from chapter.


title: RCW 16.52.190

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a person is guilty of the crime of poisoning animals if the person intentionally or knowingly poisons an animal under circumstances which do not constitute animal cruelty in the first degree.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to euthanizing by poison an animal in a lawful and humane manner by the animal's owner, or by a duly authorized servant or agent of the owner, or by a person acting pursuant to instructions from a duly constituted public authority.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to the reasonable use of rodent or pest poison, insecticides, fungicides, or slug bait for their intended purposes. As used in this section, the term "rodent" includes but is not limited to Columbia ground squirrels, other ground squirrels, rats, mice, gophers, rabbits, and any other rodent designated as injurious to the agricultural interests of the state as provided in *chapter 17.16 RCW. The term "pest" as used in this section includes any pest as defined in RCW 17.21.020.
(4) A person violating this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 53 s 111; 1994 c 261 s 13; 1941 c 105 s 1; RRS s 3207-1. Formerly RCW 16.52.150, part.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Chapter 17.16 RCW was repealed by 1994 c 11 s 1.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.

catchline: Poisoning animals—Penalty.