Chapter 7.05
LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS
Sections:
7.05.010 Licensing of dogs and cats.
7.05.050 Impounding unlicensed dogs and/or cats.
7.05.060 License – When and when not transferable.
7.05.070 License tags – Removal unlawful.
7.05.080 Penalty for violation.
7.05.010 Licensing of dogs and cats.
It is unlawful for any person to own, keep or have control of a dog or cat over the age of eight weeks within the corporate limits of the city, whether confined or not, without having a current license tag attached to the collar or harness which is worn by the dog or cat. These licenses shall be obtained by paying the required license fee in the amounts and within the time limits as provided herein, to the animal control authority.
(a) Dog and cat licenses must be renewed each year and obtained within 30 days of acquisition of the dog or cat. The license shall remain in force for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance, expiring on the last day of the twelfth month. There is no prorating of any license fee. Renewal licenses will retain the original expiration date whether renewed prior to, on, or after their renewal month.
(b) A metal tag shall be furnished with each license. Such tag shall be securely attached to a collar which shall be worn by the dog or cat at all times, except when displayed in an official exhibition. The shape of the tag shall not be the same for two consecutive years.
(c) In order to receive the fee advantage for altered dogs and cats, an individual must provide proof of alteration from a licensed veterinarian, or provide proof from a licensed veterinarian that the spay/neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal.
(d) Any person who fails to obtain a license 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 after 60 days of the license expiration shall pay a penalty of $20.00 per license. No late penalty shall be charged if:
(1) The owner submits proof of purchase or acquisition of the animal within the previous 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.
(e) Lost Tags. Lost license tags may be replaced by a substitute license or tag upon application to the animal control authority and payment of a replacement charge. (Ord. 1513 § 2, 2011; Ord. 1397 § 2, 2005).
7.05.020 License records.
The animal control agency shall maintain complete and adequate records of all licenses issued and animals handled. A report of all receipts of impounding and license fees shall be forwarded to the city on such forms as may be prescribed by the city and at such times as the city shall require the same, and further, shall furnish to the city, upon request, a copy of the receipt issued for each license issued, showing thereon the name and address of the licensee and a description of the animal licensed. (Ord. 1397 § 3, 2005).
7.05.030 License fees.
Application for dog and cat licenses shall be made at the animal control authority. License fees shall be as follows:
(a) Dogs:
|
Altered |
$14.00 |
|
Unaltered |
$50.00 |
|
Lost/Replacement Tags |
$5.00 |
(b) Cats:
|
Altered |
$8.00 |
|
Unaltered |
$50.00 |
|
Lost/Replacement Tags |
$5.00 |
(c) Reduced rates for senior citizens, 65 years of age or older, and individuals with a permanent disability:
(1) Dogs:
|
Altered |
$8.00 |
|
Unaltered |
$28.00 |
|
Lost/Replacement Tags |
$2.00 |
(2) Cats:
|
Altered |
$4.00 |
|
Unaltered |
$28.00 |
|
Lost/Replacement Tags |
$2.00 |
(d) 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.
(e) Individuals with a permanent disability, residing in Fircrest, qualify for the reduced fee specified in subsection (c) 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 animal control agency 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 as now enacted or hereinafter amended, which is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein, or any other means that the animal control agency deems an appropriate proof of permanent disability. (Ord. 1513 § 3, 2011; Ord. 1397 § 4, 2005).
7.05.040 License exemptions.
Licenses and license tags shall be provided free of charge by the city to service dogs properly trained to assist the handicapped as follows:
(a) When such dogs are actually used by the handicapped for the purpose of aiding the handicapped in going from place to place;
(b) To dogs currently being trained for the purpose of aiding the handicapped in a school or program which has been approved or accredited by a professional organization or association, either for profit or not for profit; or
(c) To pups and young dogs being raised under the 4-H program known as “Guide Dogs for the Blind” or “Service Dogs.” (Ord. 1397 § 5, 2005).
7.05.050 Impounding unlicensed dogs and/or cats.
(a) Whenever an unlicensed dog or cat is found within the city, it may be taken up and impounded by an officer of the animal control agency or officer of the city, and an infraction may be issued to the owner of such dog or cat or the person having the custody and control of such dog or cat. The owner is subject to boarding charges as set forth in this title, in addition to all penalties set forth in this chapter.
(b) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to dogs used by law enforcement agency for law enforcement work or to dogs in the custody of a veterinarian, pet store, or animal shelter, or whose owners are nonresidents temporarily within the city for a period not to exceed 30 days. (Ord. 1397 § 6, 2005).
7.05.060 License – When and when not transferable.
A person may use a license for another dog or cat owned by that person, if the cat or dog for which it was issued is no longer owned by such person. The person must notify the animal control authority within 30 days, in writing, if the license is to be transferred to another animal they own that meets the qualifications of this section. Notice must include the information on the previous pet that was licensed and the current pet, license number, owner information, address and phone number. It is a violation 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. 1397 § 7, 2005).
7.05.070 License tags – Removal unlawful.
It is unlawful for a person other than the owner to remove a license tag from an animal licensed under the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1397 § 8, 2005).
7.05.080 Penalty for violation.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a civil infraction with a maximum monetary penalty limited to a fine in an amount not to exceed $250.00; provided, that if the person presents evidence of a valid license obtained subsequent to the issuance of an infraction hereunder to the Fircrest municipal court and prior to entry of a finding of committed, the infraction may be dismissed, except that the Fircrest municipal court may assess court administrative costs of $25.00 at the time of dismissal. A monetary penalty of $52.00 shall be imposed for failure to respond to the infraction. (Ord. 1397 § 9, 2005).
7.05.090 Severability.
Should any part of this chapter be adjudged invalid for any reason, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole or any part thereof. (Ord. 1397 § 10, 2005).