Chapter 6.08
LEASH LAW1
Sections:
6.08.020 Requirements of a leash or chain.
6.08.010 Definitions.
A. “Animal” means any living creature except Homo sapiens, insects and worms.
B. “City” shall mean the city of North Bend.
C. “Owner” means any person, firm, corporation, organization or department having an interest in or right of possession to an animal, or having control, custody or possession of an animal, including possession by reason of the animal being seen residing consistently at a location.
D. “Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, joint stock company, corporation, association, trust, estate, or other legal entity. (Ord. 1407 § 5, 2010).
6.08.020 Requirement of a leash or chain.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any owner or custodian to cause, permit or allow any dog owned, harbored, controlled or kept by him/her in the city to roam, run or stray away from the premises where the dog is owned, harbored, controlled or kept; except that, while away from the premises, the dog shall at all times be controlled by the owner or some duly authorized and competent person by means of a leash or chain not exceeding 15 feet in length; provided, that such leash or chain is not required for any dog when otherwise safely and securely confined or completely controlled while in or upon any vehicle. (Ord. 1407 § 5, 2010).
6.08.030 Penalties.
A. Violation, Civil Penalty. In addition to any other penalty provided in this title or by law, any person whose dog is maintained in violation of this title shall incur a civil penalty plus billable costs of the animal control authority. The penalty shall be $50.00 for the first notice of violation, $75.00 for the second violation in any one-year period, and $200.00 for each successive violation.
B. Civil Penalty, Collection. The civil penalty described in subsection A of this section is the personal obligation of the dog owner. The animal control authority, on behalf of King County, and the city attorney, on behalf of the city, may collect the civil penalty by use of all appropriate legal remedies.
C. Cost of Enforcement, Collection. In addition to the costs and disbursements provided for by statute, the prevailing party in a collective action under this chapter may, in the court’s discretion, be allowed interest and a reasonable attorney’s fee. The city attorney shall seek such costs, interest, and reasonable attorney’s fees on behalf of the city or county when the city is the prevailing party. (Ord. 1407 § 5, 2010).
Prior legislation: Ord. 418.