ORDINANCE NO. 445
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH PRAIRIE, PIERCE
COUNTY, WASHINGTON ADOPTING THE PIERCE COUNTY CODE, ANIMAL CONTROL, TITLE 6,
AND LATER AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS THERETO, REPEALING ORDINANCES 118, 130,
153, 167, 312 AND 373, DEALING WITH ANIMAL CONTROL, TO PROVIDE FOR A UNIFORM
ANIMAL CONTROL REGIONAL STANDARD FOR ENFORCEMENT BY THE PIERCE COUNTY HUMANE
SOCIETY PURSUANT TO INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT.
Whereas, the Town is entered into a Interlocal Agreement with
Pierce County Humane Society for the enforcement of Animal Control ordinances
within the Town, and
Whereas, the enforcing agency, for ease of administration,
desires uniformity throughout the region in which it is doing animal control
enforcement, and
Whereas,
the Town had previously enacted Ordinances 118, 130, 153, 167, 312 and 373,
which deal with animal control, and
Whereas, it is for the benefit of health, safety and welfare
of the citizens of the Town to have an active animal control enforcement and to
aid the animal control enforcement agency with uniformed ordinances in the
jurisdictions in which it is undertaking enforcement, and
Whereas, it is anticipated that Pierce County will amend,
modify and other words change its existing animal control ordinance into the
future and the Town desires to adopt such amendments, changes, modifications
automatically.
Now, therefore, the Town Council of the Town of South
Prairie, Pierce County, Washington do ordain as follows:
Section 1: Ordinances No. 118, 130,
153, 167, 312 and 373 are hereby repealed.
Section 2: The Town
hereby adopts, as an incorporation by reference, Pierce County Code, Title 6, Animal Control, in its entirety together with all
future amendments, modifications and changes.
Section 3: If any
provision of this ordinance and/or the Pierce County Ordinance incorporated
herein is determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the
remaining provisions of this ordinance, and/or the Pierce County Ordinance
referred to herein shall remain in force and affect.
Section 4: This
ordinance shall take effect and be in force five (5) days from and after its
passage, approval and publication as required by law.
Attested:

Approved
as to form:

Michael J. Reynolds
Town Attorney
Title 6 ANIMALS CHAPTERS:
6.02 ANIMAL CONTROL - GENERAL
PROVISIONS. 6.03 ANIMAL CONTROL.
6.04 LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS.
6.07 POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOGS.
6.08 RABIES CONTROL.
6.10 DOG CONTROL ZONES.
6.14 BABY CHICKS, RABBITS, AND
DUCKLINGS. 6.16 WILD ANIMALS AND REPTILES.
6.18 LIVESTOCK DISTRICTS.
Chapter 6.02
ANIMAL CONTROL - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections:
6.02.010 Definitions.
6.02.020 Authorized Agents May
Perform Duties.
6.02.030 Authority to Pursue.
6.02.040 Notice of Impounding
Animal.
6.02.050 Hindering an Officer.
6.02.060 Interference With Impounding.
6.02.070 Redemption of Dogs. 6.02.075
Redemption of Livestock.
6.02.080 Redemption of Animals
Other Than Dogs and Livestock.
6.02.085 Mandatory Spay/Neuter for
Impounded Dogs and Cats - Deposit - Refund - Exception.
6.02.088 Conditions of Release. 6.02.090 Injured or Diseased
Animals.
6.02.100 Duties Upon
Injury or Death to an Animal.
6.02.110 Poisoning of Animals. 6.02.120
Abatement of Nuisances. 6.02.130 Penalty for
Violation. 6.02.140 Severability.
6.02.010 Definitions.
As used in this Title, the
following terms shall have the following meanings:
A. "Adult" means any animal
over the age of seven months.
B.
"Animal" means any nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian
excluding livestock and poultry as defined herein.
C.
"Animal Control Agency" means that animal control organization
authorized by Pierce County to enforce its animal control provisions.
D. "Animal Shelter" means
that animal control facility authorized by Pierce County.
E.
"At large" means off the premises of the owner or keeper of the
animal, and not under
restraint by leash or chain or not
otherwise controlled by a competent person.
F.
"Cat" means and includes female, spayed female, male and
neutered male cats.
G.
"Competent person" means a person who is able to sufficiently
care for, control, and
restrain his/her animal, and who has the
capacity to exercise sound judgement regarding
the rights and safety of others.
H. "Court" means District
Court or the Superior Court, which courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction
hereunder.
I.
"Dog" means and includes female, spayed female, male and
neutered male dogs.
J.
"Gross Misdemeanor" means a type of crime classification, while
not a felony, is ranked as a serious misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a
gross misdemeanor is 365 days in jail and/or a $5,000.00 fine.
K.
"Humane trap" means a live animal box enclosure trap designed
to capture and hold an animal without injury.
Title 6 - Animals 6.02.020
L.
"Impound" means to receive into the custody of the Animal
Control Shelter, or into the custody of the Director or his/her authorized
agent or deputy.
M. "Juvenile"
means any animal from weaning to seven months of age.
N.
"Livestock" means all cattle, sheep, goats, or animals of the
bovidae family; all horses, mules, other
hoof animals, or animals of the equidae family; all pigs, swine, or animals of the suidae family; llamas; and ostriches, rhea,
and emu.
0. "Misdemeanor" means a maximum penalty of 90
days in jail and/or a $1,000.00 fine, pursuant to Section 1.12.010 of this
Code.
P.
"Owner" means any person, firm, or corporation owning, having
an interest in, or having control or custody or possession of any animal.
Q. "Potentially Dangerous
Dog" means any dog that when unprovoked: (a) Inflicts bites on a human,
domestic animal, or livestock either on public or private property, or (b)
chases or approaches a person upon the streets, side-walks, or any public grounds
or private property in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, or
(c) any dog with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack
unprovoked or to cause injury or otherwise to threaten the safety of humans,
domestic animal, or livestock on any public or private property.
R.
"Poultry" means domestic fowl normally raised for eggs or meat,
and includes chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese.
S.
"Securely enclosed and locked" means a pen or structure which
has secure sides and a secure top. If the pen or structure has no bottom
secured to the sides, then the sides must be embedded in the ground no less
than one foot.
T.
"Unconfined" means not securely confined indoors or in a
securely enclosed and locked pen or structure upon the premises of the person
owning, harboring or having the care of the animal.
(Ord.
99-17 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 95-151S § 2 (part), 1996; Ord. 92-35 § 1 (part),
1992, Ord. 89-235 § 3, 1990; Ord. 87-40S § 1
(part), 1987)
6.02.020 Authorized Agents May
Perform Duties.
Wherever a power is granted to or
a duty imposed upon the Sheriff, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a Deputy of
the Sheriff or by an authorized agent of
Pierce County, deputized by the Sheriff. (Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.030 Authority to Pursue.
Those employees or agents of the
County charged with the duty of seizing animals running at large may pursue
such animals onto County-owned property, vacant property, and unenclosed
private property, and seize, remove, and impound the same. (Ord. 95-151S § 2
(part), 1996; Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.040 Notice of Impounding
Animal.
Upon the impoundment of any animal under the provisions of this Title,
the animal control agency shall immediately notify the owner, if the owner is
known, of the impounding of such animal, and of the terms upon which said
animal can be redeemed. The impounding authority shall retain said animal for
48 hours following actual notice to the owner. The notifying of any person over
the age of 18 who resides at the owner's domicile shall constitute actual
notice to the owner. If the owner of said animal so impounded is unknown, then
said animal control agency shall make a reasonable effort to locate and notify
the owner of said animal. (Ord. 99-17 § 1 (part); 1999; Ord. 95-151S § 2
(part), 1996; Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
![]()
6.02.050
Hindering an Officer.
It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with,
hinder, delay, or impede any officer who is
enforcing the provisions of this Title as herein provided. (Ord. 87-40S
§ 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.060 Interference With
Impounding.
It is unlawful for any person to
willfully prevent or hinder the impounding of any animal, or to by force or
otherwise remove any animal from the animal shelter without authority of the
person in charge of the animal shelter, or without payment of all lawful
charges against such animal, or to willfully resist or obstruct any officer in
the performance of any official duty. (Ord. 95-151S § 2 (part),
1996; Ord. 87-40S
§ 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.070 Redemption of Dogs.
The owner of any dog impounded
under this Title may redeem said dog within 48 hours from time of impounding by paying to the animal
control agency the appropriate redemption fee. The first time a dog is
impounded within a one year period, the redemption fee is $25.00;
for the second
impound within a one year period the redemption fee is $50.00;
for the third and
subsequent impounds within a one year period the redemption fee is $75.00.
If a dog is wearing a
current pet license at the time of the first impound, no redemption fee will be
collected. In addition to the redemption fee, the redeemer shall pay, as a
boarding charge for the caring and keeping of such dog, the sum of $6.00
per day for each day,
including the first and last days, that the dog is
retained by the impounding authority. This boarding charge will be collected
for the first time impound whether the animal is wearing a pet license or not.
If an impounded dog is not redeemed by the owner within 48
hours, then any
person may redeem it within the next 48 hours by complying with the above provision. In case such
dog is not redeemed within 96 hours, it may be humanely destroyed or otherwise
disposed of within the discretion of the animal control agency. (Ord. 99-17 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 97-111 § 2, 1997; Ord. 88-138 § 1, 1988; Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.075 Redemption of Livestock.
The owner of livestock impounded
under this Title may redeem said livestock within 48 hours from time of impounding by
paying to the impounding authority a redemption fee of $35.00
per animal for small
livestock (i.e., goats, sheep, swine, ostriches, rhea, emu, etc.) and a
redemption fee of $75.00 per animal for larger livestock (i.e., cattle, horses,
mules, llamas, etc.). In addition, the cost of a private livestock hauler, if
one is used, is to be paid at the time of redemption. In addition to the
redemption fee, the redeemer shall pay, as a boarding charge for the caring and
keeping of such animal, the sum of $6.00 for each day, including the first and
last days, that the animal is cared for at the
impounding authority. The livestock may be cared for by a private boarding
facility, in which case that facility's boarding fees shall be paid at the time
of redemption. (Ord. 99-17 § 1 (part), 1999)
6.02.080 Redemption of Animals Other Than Dogs and
Livestock.
The owner of any animal other than a dog or livestock impounded under the
provisions of this Title may redeem it within 48 hours from the time of impounding by paying to the animal
control agency a redemption fee of $15.00. In addition to the redemption fee, the redeemer shall pay,
as a boarding charge for the caring and keeping of such animal, the sum of $4.00
per day for each day,
including the first and last days, that the animal is retained by the
Title 6 - Animals 6.02.085
impounding authority. If such animal is not
redeemed by the owner within 48 hours, it may be humanely destroyed or
otherwise disposed of at the discretion of the animal control agency; provided,
however, that any animal so impounded less than two months of age, at the
discretion of the animal control agency, may be humanely destroyed or otherwise
disposed of at any time after impounding. (Ord. 99-17 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord.
95-151S § 2 (part), 1996; Ord. 88-138 § 2, 1988; Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.085 Mandatory Spay/Neuter for
Impounded Dogs and Cats - Deposit - Refund - Exception.
A.
Mandatory Spay/Neuter - Deposit. No unaltered dog or cat that is impounded more
than once in any 12-month period may
be redeemed by any person until the sum of
$35.00 is deposited with the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane
Society to cover the cost of
spaying or neutering the animal.
B.
Refund. The
alteration deposit shall be refunded upon a showing of proof of alteration from
a licensed veterinarian.
C.
Exception. The
alteration deposit shall not be required if the owner or other person redeeming
the animal provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian that the spay or neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal.
(Ord. 92-35 § 1 (part), 1992)
6.02.088 Conditions of Release.
The animal control agency is
authorized to refuse to release to its owner any animal which has been
impounded more than once in a 12-month period unless satisfied that the owner
has taken steps that the violation will not occur again. The agency may impose
reasonable conditions which must be satisfied by the owner before release of
the animal, including conditions assuring that the animal will be confined. Any
violation of the conditions of release is unlawful and shall constitute a Class
3 Civil Infraction pursuant to Chapter 1.16 PCC. (Ord. 99-17 § 1 (part), 1999)
6.02.090 Injured or Diseased
Animals.
Any animal suffering from serious
injury or disease may be humanely destroyed by the animal control agency;
provided, that the animal control agency shall immediately notify the owner, if the owner is known, and if the owner is
unknown, make a reasonable effort to locate
and notify the owner. (Ord. 95-151S § 2 (part), 1996; Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part),
1987)
6.02.100 Duties Upon
Injury or Death to an Animal.
The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or
death to an animal or livestock, shall
immediately stop the vehicle at or as near to the scene of the accident as
possible, and return thereto, and shall give
to the owner or other competent person having custody of the animal, the name
and address of the operator of the vehicle and the registration number of the
vehicle involved in the accident. If the owner or other competent person is not
the person at the scene of the accident, the operator shall take reasonable
steps to locate the owner or custodian of the said animal and shall supply the
information herein above required. If the animal is injured to the extent that
it requires immediate medical attention and there is no owner or custodian
present to look after it, the operator of said vehicle shall immediately report
the situation to the Pierce County Sheriffs Office. (Ord. 95-151S § 2 (part),
1996; Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
![]()
6.02.110
Poisoning of Animals.
No
person shall place or expose or cause to be placed or exposed in any yard or
lot of vacant or enclosed land, or on any
exposed place or public place, or on any street, alley, or highway, or other
place where the same may be taken internally by a child, person, or by any
domestic animal, or fowl, any poisonous substance which, if taken internally
may cause death or serious sickness. The provisions of this Section shall not
apply to the killing by poison of any domestic animal, or fowl in a lawful and
humane manner by its owner or by a duly authorized agent of such owner or by a
person acting pursuant to instructions from a duly constituted public authority.
(Ord. 95-151S § 2 (part), 1996; Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.120 Abatement of Nuisances.
Any person convicted of a misdemeanor
for violating any of the provisions of this Title in the keeping or maintenance
of any nuisance as herein defined shall, in addition to any fine or
imprisonment imposed by the Court in such action, be ordered to forthwith abate
and remove the nuisance; and if the same is not done by the offender within 24
hours, the same shall be abated and removed under the direction the officer
authorized by the order of said Court, which order of abatement shall be
entered upon the docket of the Court and made a part of the judgement in the
action.
Any such person shall be liable
for all costs and expenses of abating the same when the nuisance has been abated by any officer of Pierce
County or the animal control agency of Pierce
County, which costs and expenses shall be taxed as part of the costs of the
prosecution against the party, liable to be recovered as other costs are
recovered; and in all cases where the officer is authorized by the Court, shall abate any nuisance and he/she shall keep
an account of all expenses attending the abatement; and in addition to other
powers herein given to collect the costs and expenses, Pierce County may bring
suit for the same in any Court of competent jurisdiction against the person
keeping or maintaining the nuisance so abated.
(Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.130 Penalty for Violation.
A person who violates any of the
provisions of Sections 6.02.050, 6.02.060, 6.02.100, and 6.02.110 of this
Chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be found guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord.
87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
6.02.140 Severability.
If any provision of this Title or its application to
any person or circumstances are held to be invalid, the remainder of
this Title or the application of the provisions to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected. (Ord. 87-40S § 1 (part), 1987)
Chapter 6.03
ANIMAL CONTROL
Sections:
6.03.010 Animals at Large on
Public Grounds.
6.03.020 Animals at Large on
Private Property.
6.03.025 Poultry Running at Large.
6.03.030 Confinement of Female
Dogs and Cats in Heat.
6.03.035 Livestock at Large.
6.03.040 Dogs Chasing Vehicles on
Public Roads.
6.03.045 Confinement of an Animal
in a Motor Vehicle.
6.03.050 Dogs Jumping and/or
Threatening Pedestrians.
6.03.070 Animals Injuring Humans,
Domestic Animals, or Livestock - Gross Misdemeanor.
6.03.080 Animals Injuring Private
and Public Property - Misdemeanor.
6.03.090 Public Disturbance Noise
and Public Nuisance Noise Made by an Animal. 6.03.095 Sale or Transfer of
Animals in Public Places Prohibited.
6.03.100 Violations - Civil
Infractions.
6.03.010 Animals at Large on
Public Grounds.
It is unlawful for the owner or
person having control or custody of any animal to allow such animal to be at large in any park, or to enter any
public beach, pond, fountain, or stream therein, or upon any public playground or school ground or in any public
building. Any animal entering or trespassing upon such property may be seized
and impounded. (Ord. 95-151S § 3 (part),
1996; Ord. 87-40S § 2 (part),
1987)
6.03.020 Animals at Large on
Private Property.
It is unlawful for the owner or
person having control or custody of any animal to allow such animal to enter or trespass upon private property
without the express permission of the owner or
caretaker of such property. Any such animal may be seized and impounded. (Ord.
95-151S § 3 (part), 1996; Ord. 87-40S § 2 (part), 1987)
6.03.025 Poultry Running at Large.
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having
the charge and control of any chickens,
geese, ducks, or other domestic fowl to allow such poultry to enter or trespass
upon private property without the express permission of the owner or caretaker
of such property. Any such fowl may be seized and impounded. (Ord. 95-151S § 3
(part), 1996)
6.03.030 Confinement of Female
Dogs and Cats in Heat.
Every female dog and cat in heat shall be confined in a building or
secure enclosure in such a manner that such female dog or cat cannot come into
contact with a male of the species, except for planned breeding. It is unlawful
for any person having control or custody of a dog or cat in heat to allow such
animal to be unconfined. Any dog or cat not so confined when in heat, whether
or not such dog or cat is licensed, may be seized and impounded, and will be
subject to mandatory spaying in accordance with the process in PCC 6.02.095.
(Ord. 99-17 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 87-40S § 2 (part), 1987)
![]()
6.03.035
Livestock at Large.
It is
unlawful for the owner or person having control or custody of any livestock to
allow such livestock to enter or trespass upon private or public property
without the express permission of the owner or caretaker of such property. Any
such livestock may be seized and impounded. (Ord. 97-111 § 3 (part), 1997)
6.03.040 Dogs Chasing Vehicles on
Public Roads.
It is unlawful for
the owner or other person having control of any dog to allow such dog to chase,
run after, or jump at vehicles lawfully using the public road, street, avenues,
alleys, and ways. Any such dog may be seized and impounded. (Ord. 87-40S § 2
(part), 1987)
6.03.045 Confinement of an Animal
in a Motor Vehicle.
It is unlawful for an owner or person to confine any
animal in a motor vehicle in such a matter that places it in a life- or
health-threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat
or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold.
In order to protect the health and safety of such animal, an animal control
officer or law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that this
Section is being violated shall have the authority to enter such motor vehicle
by any reasonable means under the circumstances, after making a reasonable
effort to locate the owner. (Ord. 97-111 § 3 (part), 1997)
6.03.050 Dogs Jumping and/or
Threatening Pedestrians.
It is unlawful for the owner or other person having
control of any dog to allow such dog to frequently or habitually snarl at,
growl at, jump upon, or threaten persons upon the public sidewalks, roads,
streets, alleys, or public places. Any such dog may be seized and impounded.
(Ord. 87-40S § 2 (part), 1987)
6.03.070 Animals Injuring Humans,
Domestic Animals, or Livestock - Gross Misdemeanor.
It is unlawful for the owner or
other person having control or custody of any animal to allow such animal to cause injury to a human, domestic
animal, or livestock which is acting in a lawful manner. Any such animal may be seized and impounded. Any violation of
this Section is a gross misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 365 days in jail
and/or a $5,000.00 fine. (Ord. 99-17 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 95-151S §3 (part),
1996; Ord. 87-40S § 2 (part), 1987)
6.03.080 Animals Injuring Private
and Public Property - Misdemeanor.
It is unlawful for the owner or other person having control or custody of
any animal to allow such animal to damage or destroy any property or thing of
value upon the private property of another, or upon any public property. Any
such animal may be seized and impounded. Any violation of this Section is a
misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000.00 fine.
(Ord. 99-17 § 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 95-151S § 3 (part), 1996; Ord. 87-40S § 2
(part), 1987)
Title 6 - Animals 6.03.090
6.03.090 Public Disturbance Noise
and Public Nuisance Noise Made by an Animal.
Any Public Disturbance Noise and Public Nuisance Noise is unlawful and shall be enforced under the provisions of Chapter
8.72 PCC. (Ord. 97-111 § 3 (part), 1997; Ord. 95-151S § 3 (part), 1996; Ord.
89-118 § 1, 1989; Ord. 87-40S § 2 (part), 1987)
6.03.095 Sale or Transfer of
Animals in Public Places Prohibited.
It is unlawful to sell, barter or
otherwise transfer for the purpose of changing ownership any animal in an area open to the public unless such
activity is licensed pursuant to Chapter 5.24 of the Pierce County Code. (Ord. 92-35 § 2 (part),
1992)
6.03.100 Violations - Civil Infraction.
Unless specifically designated in
this Chapter as a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor, any violation of this Chapter is
unlawful and shall constitute a Class 3 Civil Infraction pursuant to Chapter
1.16 PCC. Such penalty is in addition to any other remedies or penalties
specifically provided in this Title. For each act herein prohibited of a
continuing nature, each day shall be considered a separate offense. (Ord. 99-17
§ 2 (part), 1999; Ord. 92-35 § 2 (part), 1992; Ord. 87-40S § 2 (part), 1987)
Chapter 6.04
LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS
Sections:
6.04.010
License
Required.
6.04.020
Purchase
of License.
6.04.030
Fees.
6.04.040 Late Payment Penalty.
6.04.050
License
Not Transferable.
6.04.060
License
Violation - Civil Infraction.
6.04.010 License Required.
It is unlawful for any person to
own, keep, or have control of a dog or cat over the age of eight weeks, whether
confined or not, in the unincorporated areas of Pierce County without having a
current license tag attached to the collar or harness which is worn by the dog
or cat. Any dog or cat which is off the premises of its owner must have a
current license, regardless of its age. If any dog and/or cat which is required to be licensed is found without a current
license, it may be seized and impounded by the animal control agency or the
Pierce County Sheriff. Provided, such seizure and impoundment
will not preclude the issuance of a civil infraction. Hunting dogs,
during a controlled hunt, need not wear a license tag. No more than five dogs
and/or cats may be individually licensed by a residence in Pierce County. Dogs
and cats are exempt from the above
licensing provisions when they are in the custody of a recognized animal rescue group. In order to qualify as a recognized
group, proof of registration with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to IRC
501(c)(3) must be submitted to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County
by the group. (Ord. 99-17 § 3 (part), 1999; Ord. 97-111 § 4 (part), 1997; Ord.
95-15IS § 4 (part), 1996; Ord. 92-35 § 3 (part), 1992; Ord. 87-40S § 3 (part),
1987)
6.04.020
Purchase
of License.
A. All dog or cat licenses shall be
obtained by paying the required license fee in the amounts and within the time
limits as provided in this Chapter to the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society.
The license shall remain in force for a period of 12 months from the date of
issuance, expiring on the last day of the 12th month. There is no prorating of
any license fee. Renewal licenses will retain the original expiration period
whether renewed prior to, on, or after their respective renewal month. The
applicant shall be furnished with such license and a metal tag; or in the case
of a kennel license, the year of issuance and the words "Pierce
County". The tag shall be attached to a collar or harness which will be
worn by the dog or cat at all times. The shape of the tag shall not be the same
two consecutive years.
B.
Beginning September 1, 2002, "New or Juvenile" dog or cat
licenses, valid for 90 days, shall be available at no cost from the
Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society; from licensed kennels and catteries,
grooming parlors, pet shops; and at other convenient locations to be
determined, such as veterinary hospitals.
(Ord.
2002-19s3 § 2 (part), 2002; Ord. 97-111 § 4 (part), 1997; Ord. 87-40S § 3
(part), 1987)
Title 6 - Animals 6.04.030
6.04.030 Fees.
The license fees for the ownership, keeping, or having
control of dogs and/or cats in unincorporated
Pierce County shall be as follows:
A. Adult Dogs:
altered ........................................................................................................... $ 20.00
unaltered ....................................................................................................... $ 55.00
B.
Juvenile Dogs (until September 1, 2002): ................................................................ $ 4.00
C.
Adult Cats:
altered ......................................................................................................... $ 12.00
unaltered ....................................................................................................... $ 55.00
D.
Juvenile Cats (until September 1, 2002): ................................................................. $ 4.00
E.
Beginning September 1, 2002, "New or Juvenile" dogs/cats (90
days) ....................... $ 0.00
F.
Reduced rates for senior citizens, 65 years of age or older, and
individuals with a permanent disability:
1. Dogs:
altered ..................................................................................................... $ 10.00
unaltered ................................................................................................. $ 30.00
2. Cats:
altered ...................................................................................................... $ 5.00
unaltered ................................................................................................. $ 30.00
In order to receive the fee advantage for altered dogs and
cats, an individual must provide either proof of alteration from a licensed
veterinarian or a written statement from a licensed veterinarian that the
spay/neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal.
Individuals with a permanent disability, residing in
unincorporated Pierce County, qualify for the reduced fee specified in E.
above, provided that the dogs and cats are not used for a commercial purpose.
To qualify for this reduced fee, individuals with a permanent disability must
provide proof of permanent disability to the Humane Society in the form of a
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Identification Card or documentation
showing at least 30 percent permanent disability, a Washington Department of
Licensing parking placard issued for permanent disability under RCW 46.16.381,
or any other means that the Humane Society deems an appropriate proof of
permanent disability.
On April 1 and
October 1 of every year, the Humane Society shall provide a financial, service
request, and permit data report of its operations to the appropriate committee
of the Council.
(Ord. 2002-19s3 § 2 (part), 2002;
Ord. 98-10 § 1, 1998; Ord. 97-111 § 4 (part), 1997; Ord. 95-151S § 4 (part), 1996; Ord. 92-35 § 3 (part), 1992; Ord. 90-152 § 1, 1990; Ord. 89-235
§ 1, 1990; Ord. 87-40S § 3 (part), 1987)
6.04.040 Late Payment Penalty.
A. Any person who fails to obtain a
license within 30 days after the license expiration date but before 60 days of
the expiration date shall pay a penalty of $10.00 per license. Any person who
fails to obtain a license within 60 days of the license expiration date shall
pay a penalty of $20.00 per license.
B.
No late payment penalty shall be charged on new license applications if:
1. The owner submits proof of
purchase or acquisition of the animal within the preceding 30 days; or
2. The owner has moved into the
County within the preceding 30 days; or
3.
The animal is currently or has been within the preceding 30 days, under
the age which requires a license; or
4.
The owner purchases the license(s)
voluntarily, prior to in person or field contact by animal control personnel;
or