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Section 1: Ordinances No. 118, 130, 153, 167, 312 and 373 are hereby repealed.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.


Text Box: 6	1Chapter 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.


Text Box: 6 2Title 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)


Text Box: Title 6 - Animals 6.02.050Text Box: 6 -- 36.02.050 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


Text Box: 6--4Title 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)


Text Box: Title 6 - Animals 6.02.110Text Box: 6 56.02.110 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)


Text Box: 6 6Chapter 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)


Text Box: Title 6 - Animals 6.02.035Text Box: 6 76.03.035 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)


Text Box: 6	8Title 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)


Text Box: 6 9Chapter 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)


Text Box: 6 -- 10Title 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.       Text Box: Title 6 - Animals 6.04.050The owner purchases the license(s) voluntarily, prior to in person or field contact by animal control personnel; or

5.       The owner submits other proof deemed acceptable in the animal control authority's administrative policy.

(Ord. 97-111 § 4 (part), 1997; Ord. 92-35 § 3 (part), 1992; Ord. 87-40S § 3 (part), 1987)

 

6.04.050 License Not Transferable.

Dog or cat licenses as provided for in this Chapter shall be nontransferable. A person may use a license for another dog or cat that he/she owns, if the dog or cat for which it was issued is no longer owned by such person. It is unlawful for any person to give, sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer a dog or cat license to another person, even if it is to be used for the same dog or cat for which it was originally issued. (Ord. 87-40S § 3 (part), 1987)

 

6.04.060 License Violation - Civil Infraction.

Any violation of Sections 6.04.010, 6.04.020, or 6.04.050 of this Chapter is unlawful and shall constitute a civil infraction pursuant to Chapter 1.16 PCC. Provided, that if the person presents evidence of a valid license to the District Court, the citation shall be dismissed without cost, except that the court may assess court administration costs of $25.00 at the time of dismissal. (Ord. 99-17 § 3 (part), 1999; Ord. 97-111 § 4 (part), 1997; Ord. 87-40S § 3 (part), 1987)


Text Box: 6 -- 12Chapter 6.07
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOGS

 

 

Sections:

6.07.010 Declaration of Dogs as Potentially Dangerous - Procedure. 6.07.020 Permits and Fees.

6.07.030 Confinement and Identification of Potentially Dangerous Dogs. 6.07.035 Notification of Status of Potentially Dangerous Dog. 6.07.040 Penalty for Violation.

 

6.07.010 Declaration of Dogs as Potentially Dangerous - Procedure.

A. The animal control agency shall classify potentially dangerous dogs. The agency may find and declare an animal potentially dangerous if an animal control officer has probable cause to believe that the animal falls within the definitions set forth in Section 6.02.010 P. The finding must be based upon:

1.    The written complaint of a citizen who is willing to testify that the animal has acted in a manner which causes it to fall within the definition of Sect