8.18.060 Dangerous dogs—Additional requirements.

(1)    The animal protection and control program shall issue a license to the owner of a dangerous dog only if the owner presents to the animal protection and control program sufficient evidence of:

(a)    A proper enclosure to confine a dangerous dog and the posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign that there is a dangerous dog on the property. A proper enclosure shall mean a fully enclosed dog run or fence with a fence height of not less than six (6) feet with self-closing and self-latching gates. In addition, the owner shall conspicuously display a sign with a warning symbol that informs children of the presence of a dangerous dog; and

(b)    A surety bond issued by a surety insurer qualified under Chapter 48.28 RCW in a form acceptable to the program in the sum of at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), payable to any person injured by the dangerous dog; or

(c)    A policy of liability insurance, such as homeowner’s insurance, issued by an insurer qualified under RCW Title 48 in the amount of at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), insuring the owner for any personal injuries inflicted by the dangerous dog.

(d)    Evidence that the labeled dog has been implanted with a microchip and placed on the local and national registry, at the owner’s expense, must be submitted to the office of animal control. This must be accomplished within five (5) days after receipt of the dangerous dog declaration issued by the Clark County animal control representative.

(e)    Any other reasonable action determined by the program manager to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public or other animals.

(2)    The owner of a dangerous dog shall not permit the dog to be outside the proper enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under physical restraint of a responsible person. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration but shall prevent it from biting any person or animal.

(3)    Owners of potentially dangerous dogs shall provide evidence that the labeled dog has been implanted with a microchip and placed on the local and national registry at the owner’s expense. This evidence must be submitted within five (5) days after receipt of the potentially dangerous dog declaration issued by the Clark County animal control representative. (Sec. 17 of Ord. 1987-11-37; amended by Sec. 1 (Att. A) of Ord. 2009-03-02; amended by Sec. 33 of Ord. 2016-11-13; amended by Sec. 8 of Ord. 2023-01-08)