Chapter 6.04
LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS
Sections:
6.04.040 Late payment penalty.
6.04.050 License not transferable.
6.04.060 License violation – Civil infraction.
6.04.010 License required.
A. Any adult dog or cat which is off the premises of its owner must be licensed and have a current license tag attached to the collar or harness which is worn by the dog or cat. If any dog and/or cat which is required to be licensed is found without a current license tag, it may be seized and impounded by the animal control agency or the Fife police chief; 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.
B. No more than five dogs and/or cats may be individually licensed at a residence in the city. 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 city of Fife licensing authority by the group. (Ord. 1901 § 7, 2015).
6.04.020 Purchase of license.
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 licensing officer, or to the officer’s designated licensing agent. The license shall remain in force for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance. There is no prorating of any license fee. The applicant shall be furnished with such license and a metal tag with the words “city of Fife.” The tag shall be attached to a collar or harness which will be worn by the dog or cat at all times. (Ord. 1901 § 7, 2015).
6.04.030 Fees.
The license fees for the ownership, keeping, or having control of dogs and/or cats in the city shall be as follows:
A. Adult Dogs.
|
altered |
$20.00 |
|
unaltered |
$55.00 |
B. Adult Cats.
|
altered |
$12.00 |
|
unaltered |
$55.00 |
C. “Temporary tag” dogs/cats (30 days): $0.00.
D. “Juvenile” dogs (up to six months old): $10.00.
E. “Juvenile” cats (up to six months old): $6.00.
F. Duplicate license tag for a dog or cat: $5.00.
G. Reduced rates for senior citizens, 62 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 the city, qualify for the reduced fee specified in subsection (G) of this section; 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 licensing officer, or the licensing officer’s designated licensing agent, 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 licensing agency, licensing officer, or the licensing officer’s designated licensing agent deems an appropriate proof of permanent disability.
The licensing officer is authorized to establish agents for the purpose of selling pet licenses on its behalf. The agents shall be allowed to collect a service charge of $4.00 for each new pet license or renewal transaction. This service fee may be negotiated at a different rate if included in a contract for shelter and adoption services. (Ord. 1901 § 7, 2015).
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 city 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
5. The owner submits other proof deemed acceptable in the animal control authority’s administrative policy. (Ord. 1901 § 7, 2015).
6.04.050 License not transferable.
Dog or cat licenses as provided for in this chapter shall be nontransferable. A person may not 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. Dog or cat license fees are nonrefundable. (Ord. 1901 § 7, 2015).
6.04.060 License violation – Civil infraction.
Any violation of FMC 6.04.010, 6.04.020, or 6.04.050 is unlawful and shall constitute a class 3 civil infraction pursuant to Chapter 1.24 FMC; provided, that if the person presents evidence of a valid license to the Fife municipal 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. 1901 § 7, 2015).