Chapter 6.10
DOG LEASH LAW
Sections:
6.10.030 Dogs at large prohibited in City.
6.10.040 Violations – Misdemeanor penalty.
6.10.050 Violations – Civil penalty.
6.10.070 Dog control zone – Urban areas of the City.
6.10.010 Purpose.
Under the authority of Chapter 16.10 RCW, it is the intention of the City of Kenmore to enforce a dog leash law in the City of Kenmore. It is the intention of the City of Kenmore to administer a dog leash law in conjunction with the rules and regulations of the animal control authority contained in this title, as amended. [Ord. 98-0009 § 45 (KCC 11.08.010).]
6.10.020 Definitions.
In construing the provisions of this chapter, except where otherwise plainly declared or clearly apparent from the context, words used in this chapter shall be given their common and ordinary meaning; in addition, the following definitions shall apply:
A. “At large” means to be off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner by leash; provided, that an animal within an automobile or other vehicle of its owner shall be deemed to be upon the owner’s premises.
B. “Lawful training” means to be engaged in training on the premises of the owner or on the land of another person by permission, or on public land that is set aside for training or is open for hunting or trapping; provided, that the dog is accompanied afield by the owner or trainer. A “no-shooting” area shall not be interpreted to mean a “no-training” area.
C. “Leash” includes a cord, thong or chain not more than 15 feet in length by which an animal is physically controlled by the person accompanying it.
D. Restraint. An animal is considered to be under restraint if it is maintained and remains within the property limits of its owner or keeper. [Ord. 98-0009 § 45 (KCC 11.08.020).]
6.10.030 Dogs at large prohibited in City.
It is unlawful for owners to allow their dogs to be at large or without restraint, except that this section shall not apply where the dogs are engaged in obedience training, lawful hunting activity, lawful competition sanctioned by a nationally recognized body or a local chapter thereof, or lawful training in preparation for such hunting or competition, are working dogs engaged in the herding of livestock, or are working dogs engaged in sanctioned search and rescue activities. [Ord. 98-0009 § 45 (KCC 11.08.030).]
6.10.040 Violations – Misdemeanor penalty.
Any owner of an animal in violation of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by fine of not more than $250.00 and/or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days. [Ord. 98-0009 § 45 (KCC 11.08.050).]
6.10.050 Violations – Civil penalty.
In addition to, or as an alternate to, any other penalty provided in this title, as amended, or by general law, any person whose animal is maintained in violation of this chapter shall incur a civil penalty plus billable costs of the animal control authority. The penalty for violation shall be as provided in KCC 11.04.035. [Ord. 21-0534 § 2 (Exh. A); Ord. 98-0009 § 45 (KCC 11.08.060).]
6.10.060 Severability.
Should any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. [Ord. 98-0009 § 45 (KCC 11.08.070).]
6.10.070 Dog control zone – Urban areas of the City.
A. Findings. The Kenmore city council finds that the establishment of a dog control zone in the entire City of Kenmore is necessary for the following reasons:
1. The protection of dogs and other domestic animals from dogs at large or without restraint;
2. The preservation of private property rights from unlawful trespass by dogs at large or without restraint;
3. The preservation, protection and maintenance of public property and public amenities such as parks, schools and playgrounds from the waste products generated by dogs at large or without restraint;
4. The prevention of unintentional loss of dogs at large or without restraint due to their becoming lost or being struck by vehicular traffic; and
5. The protection of pedestrians and bicyclists from dogs at large or without restraint.
B. Dog Control Zone – Established. There is created a dog control zone in the City of Kenmore. [Ord. 98-0009 § 45 (KCC 11.08.075).]