Chapter 6.04
ANIMAL SERVICES
6.04.000 Chapter Contents
Sections:
6.04.010 Purpose.
6.04.020 Enforcement.
6.04.030 Definitions.
6.04.040 Licensing and registration requirements.
6.04.050 Regulations and violations relating to pet animals.
6.04.060 Cruelty to animals.
6.04.070 Confinement or restraint of a pet animal.
6.04.080 Venomous and constrictor reptiles.
6.04.090 Unlawful release of pet animal.
6.04.100 Impoundment and redemption.
6.04.110 Potentially dangerous dog or dangerous dog.
6.04.120 Penalties.
6.04.130 Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors.
6.04.140 Keeping Restricted.
(Ord. 6400, 2006).
6.04.010 Purpose
This chapter is enacted for the purpose of regulating the keeping of dogs, cats, and other pet animals within the City of Olympia.
(Ord. 5612 §2 1996; Ord. 4338 §1, 1981).
6.04.020 Enforcement
The Animal Services Director, the Animal Services Director’s designees, and other officers as defined in Section 6.04.030(W) are hereby authorized and delegated the responsibility for enforcement of laws set forth in this code and in Chapters 16.08 and 16.52 RCW, including the issuance of misdemeanor citations and notices of infraction.
(Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 5612 §2, 1996; Ord. 5063 §1, 1989; Ord. 4338 §2, 1981).
6.04.030 Definitions
A. “Abandon” means the act of leaving a pet animal without humane care in such a way that the health or safety of the animal is imperiled or failure to respond to a notification of impoundment of an animal.
B. “Animal” means any nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian. For the purposes of licensing and all other regulations under this chapter that are applicable to dogs, potbelly pigs shall be treated the same as dogs.
C. “Animal Services” means the agency designated to enforce this ordinance and operate a shelter facility designated or recognized by the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater and Thurston County for the purpose of impounding, caring for, placing through adoption, returning to owners, and euthanizing pet animals.
D. “At large” means any pet animal that is not in the physical presence and control of an owner or keeper; provided that the following animals shall be considered at large only under the following circumstances:
1. When a dog, licensed or not, is found off the premises or outside the vehicle of the owner and not under control of a person by means of a leash, carrier, or demonstrated voice command. “Demonstrated voice command,” means the person purporting to exercise control of a dog can cause the dog to immediately heel by giving an appropriate voice command; or
2. When a pet animal interferes with pedestrian, bicycle or vehicular movement, causes reasonable affront or alarm to a person, or if injury or damage has been caused by the pet animal, or trespass has occurred; or
3. When a cat, licensed or not, is on property where the property owner or tenant objects to the presence of the cat and has humanely trapped or otherwise contained the cat.
E. “Cattery” means an establishment kept for the purpose of breeding, owning, selling, or boarding of cats, and having a current certification by a nationally recognized cattery registration group that formulates and applies their own standards for appropriate care, such as Cat Fanciers Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association, the International Cat Association, or the United Feline Organization.
F. “Community cat” means any free roaming cat that may be cared for by one or more residents in the area, known or unknown. Community cats with ears-tipped were sterilized and vaccinated against rabies at least one time. Community cats are not considered pet animals.
G. “Community cat caregiver” means a person who provides care to a community cat in the form of food, water, shelter and veterinary care, while not being considered the owner, custodian, harborer, possessor, or keeper of a community cat.
H. “Dangerous dog” means a dog that according to the records of Animal Services has committed serious offenses as more fully set forth in Section 6.04.110.
I. “Director” means the Animal Services Director or the Animal Services Director’s designee.
J. “Domestic animal” means an animal other than a pet animal which may or may not be used as a food source such as, but not limited to, a rabbit, chicken, goat, sheep, cow, or horse.
K. “Euthanasia” means the humane killing of an animal.
L. “Exotic animal” means an animal, such as, but not limited to, venomous or constrictor type reptiles, or primates.
M. “Feral animal” means a wild animal or a domestic animal that is wild.
N. “Harbors, keeps, possesses, or maintains a pet animal” means providing care, shelter, protection, refuge, food, or nourishment in such manner as to influence the behavior of the animal; or, treating the animal as living at one’s property.
O. “Humane care” means care of an animal that includes providing necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, space, and medical attention in a way that the health and safety of the animal is not imperiled.
P. “Impound” means to take control of any animal pursuant to the terms of this chapter whether or not such animal is picked up by Animal Services or animals brought to the Animal Services shelter.
Q. “Kennel”
1. “Commercial kennel” means a place where adult dogs are bred by a person providing facilities for breeding and the offspring are sold, where such dogs are received for care, training, and boarding for compensation, not including a small animal hospital, clinic, or pet shop. An adult dog is one that has reached the age of six months.
2. “Hobby kennel” means a noncommercial kennel at or adjoining a private residence where four or more adult dogs are bred and/or kept for hunting, training, and exhibit for organized shows, field working, and/or obedience trials or for enjoyment of the species.
R. “Leash” means a cord, thong, or chain by which a dog is controlled by the person accompanying it.
S. “License” means the dog, cat, or other pet animal license issued for registration and identification.
T. “Menacing” means when an animal engages in threatening behavior on public or private property which is not the property of the animal’s owner and which reasonably places a person in fear of immediate physical harm to that person or to an animal under the immediate control of such person. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, growling, snarling, baring of teeth, snapping, attempting to bite, pouncing, stalking, lunging, attacking or other behavior that restricts or controls a person’s movements.
U. “Necessary food” means the provision at suitable intervals of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the animal’s age and species and sufficient to provide a reasonable level of nutrition for the animal.
V. “Nuisance pet animal” means a pet animal that:
1. Damages or destroys landscaping or property of another person, including destruction of wildlife that has been purposefully attracted to the person’s property, or
2. Soils or defecates on public or private property other than the owner’s, unless such waste is immediately removed and properly disposed of by the owner of the pet animal, or
3. Causes unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive conditions, or
4. Is a female dog or cat in heat not confined within a structure to prevent access of male dogs or cats except for planned breeding, or
5. Chases people, including but not limited to cyclists, or vehicles, or molests or interferes with persons or other animals on public or private property other than the owner’s property, or
6. Habitually or continually disturbs the peace and quiet of any individual or neighborhood by barking, whining, howling, or making any other noise; or
7. Trespasses on private property and the property owner or tenant supplies a written complaint to Animal Services, and, in the case of a cat, physically contains the cat.
W. “Officer” means any Animal Services officer, police officer, or other commissioned person designated by the City of Olympia to issue citations, pick up, restrain, impound, place, or dispose of animals or give notice for any other acts, duties, or functions prescribed by this chapter or other chapters relating to pet animals.
X. “Owner” means any person who has a right, claim, title, legal share or right of possession to an animal or who harbors, keeps, possesses, or maintains a pet animal, or who encourages a pet animal to remain about their property or premises for a period of fourteen (14) consecutive days or more, or the person named on the license/registration record of any animal as the owner. The parent or guardian of an owner under eighteen (18) years of age shall be deemed the owner for the purposes of this chapter.
Y. “Pet animal” means any animal sold or retained for the purpose of being kept for pleasure, companionship, or utilitarian purposes and not kept as a food source.
Z. “Potentially dangerous dog” means a dog that according to the records of Animal Services has committed serious offenses as more fully set forth in Section 6.04.110.
AA. “Quarantine” means to maintain an animal within a structure so that it cannot approach or be approached by humans or other animals outside the owner’s immediate family.
BB. “Restrained” means secured by a leash and under physical control of a person with the strength and judgment to handle the animal, or tethered to a stationary object which keeps the animal confined to the pet owner’s property or premises.
CC. “Severe injury” means any physical injury that results in broken bones or lacerations requiring sutures or cosmetic surgery.
DD. “Sterilized” means the animal is surgically rendered incapable of reproduction by means of castration or an ovarian hysterectomy.
EE. “Stray animal” means a domestic animal or pet animal at large.
FF. “Substantial bodily harm” means substantial bodily harm as defined in RCW 9A.04.110, incorporated herein by reference.
(Ord. 7343 §1, 2022; Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 6400 §1, 2006; Ord. 5612 §2, 1996; Ord. 4881 §1, 1988; Ord. 4338 §3, 1981).
6.04.040 Licensing and registration requirements
A. Failure to license a pet animal. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to own, keep, or have control of any dog or cat considered a pet animal in the City of Olympia unless the person has procured a license. Failure to license such animals is a class 3 civil infraction. Provided, however, such infraction may be dismissed if, within fourteen days of its issuance, the cited person submits evidence of licensing such animal to the court.
B. Issuance of license tag. Animal Services or agents thereof shall provide an appropriate identification tag for each dog or cat licensed to persons applying, upon payment of the appropriate license fee. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of a dog to keep a collar or harness on the animal with the license tag attached if the animal is off the owner’s property. For cats only a microchip may substitute if a collar is considered a hazard.
C. Supplemental identification. Tattooing or microchip implantation are acceptable auxiliary means of identification but do not replace the license.
D. Lack of authorized and current tag. A dog or cat without an authorized and current license tag may be impounded, except as otherwise set forth in this chapter.
E. Fees shall be set as authorized by Council through contract. In the event no contract exists authorizing the setting of fees, Council shall set fees by resolution. Each updated fee schedule shall be filed with the City Clerk.
A 50% surcharge will be added to all fees for services provided to non-JASCOM participating jurisdictions.
F. Date due. All licenses granted under this chapter shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.
G. Licenses nontransferable. Licenses shall not be transferable from one pet animal to another.
H. Tag removal unlawful. It is unlawful for any person to remove a tag from any dog or cat, or to obliterate any tattoo or microchip registered under this chapter without the permission of the owner or issuing authority other than in a medical emergency. A violation of this provision shall be a misdemeanor.
I. Kennel or cattery permit. A kennel or cattery permit may be granted for those areas where such use is not prohibited by local zoning. An annual fee in lieu of individual licensing for each animal may be granted for the following:
1. Private nonprofit animal welfare or protection organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) status with operating standards and criteria and whose primary purpose is to provide temporary care, shelter, and placement of animals, or
2. Catteries (as defined in Section 6.04.030(E)) that can demonstrate that all cats placed in Olympia are reported to Animal Services and all non-show quality cats are sold or given away with a binding contract for sterilization.
3. Hobby kennels (as defined in Section 6.04.030(Q)).
J. Exotic Animals. Owners of constrictor type reptiles over eight feet in length, venomous reptiles, and primates, that are not otherwise prohibited, are required to comply with all state and federal laws for the keeping of such animals, and are also required to annually register such animals with Animal Services by completing a form provided by Animal Services. Failure to register such animals shall be a misdemeanor and shall subject the animal to immediate impoundment.
(Ord. 7343 §2, 2022; Ord. 7054 §1, 2016; Ord. 6751 §1, 2011; Ord. 6400 §1, 2006; Ord. 6248 §1, 2002; Ord. 6062 §1, 2000; Ord. 5977 §1, 1999; Ord. 5630 §1, 1996; Ord. 5612 §2, 1996; Ord. 5406 §1, 1993; Ord. 5344 §1, 1992; Ord. 5063 §2, 1989; Ord. 4753 §11, 1987; Ord. 4735 §1, 1986; Ord. 4588 §1, 1985; Ord. 4404 §1, 1982; Ord. 4338 §4, 1981).
6.04.050 Regulations and violations relating to pet animals
Any person who harbors, keeps, possesses, maintains, or has temporary custody of a pet animal shall be responsible for the behavior of such animal whether the owner knowingly permits the behavior or not. Such person shall violate the terms of this chapter if:
A. Pet animal at large. Such person’s pet animal, except cats, is at large as defined in Section 6.04.030(D); provided, however, this section shall not prohibit the owner and pet animal from participating in an organized show or training, exercise, or hunting session in locations designated and authorized for that purpose.
B. Nuisance pet animal. Such person’s pet animal constitutes a nuisance pet animal as defined in Section 6.04.030(V).
C. Pet animal on public property. Such person’s pet animal is on public property such as a public park, beach, or school ground and is not on a leash held by a person who is able to maintain physical control, or proper safeguards have not been taken to protect the public and property from injury or damage from said animal, or the presence of the animal on such property is in violation of additional specific restrictions which have been posted. Such restrictions shall not apply to cats, guide dogs for the visually impaired, service animals for the physically handicapped where being off leash is necessary to the service, or to dogs on fenced areas of public property specifically designated by the City of Olympia as areas for dogs without the requirement of a leash. Pet animals on public property is a civil infraction as defined in Section 6.04.120(B).
D. Injury to a person or animal. Such person’s pet animal, domestic animal or exotic animal causes injury to a person or domestic, exotic or pet animal.
E. Failure to possess removal equipment or to remove fecal material. Such person (1) fails to possess in a public park the equipment or material necessary to remove animal fecal matter when accompanying a pet animal, or (2) fails to remove animal fecal material when accompanying a pet animal off the owner’s property. Failure to possess removal equipment or to remove fecal material is a civil infraction as defined in Section 6.04.120(B).
F. Failure to sterilize an adopted pet animal. Such person, when adopting a pet animal from the Animal Services Shelter, fails to have the pet sterilized within the time period specified in the written agreement, unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian in writing, or in cases of verifiable placement within a governmental law enforcement agency. Failure to sterilize an adopted pet animal is a civil infraction as defined in Section 6.04.120(B).
G. Failure to provide humane care. Such person fails to provide a pet, exotic or domestic animal with humane care as defined in Section 6.04.030(O). Failure to provide humane care is a misdemeanor as set forth in Section 6.04.120(D).
H. Failure to meet terms of quarantine. Such person fails to accept, perform or to meet the terms of a quarantine notice served pursuant to Thurston County Health Department regulation after an animal has bitten a human. Failure to meet terms of quarantine is a misdemeanor as set forth in Section 6.04.120(D).
I. Menacing behavior. Such person’s animal engages in menacing behavior as defined in Section 6.04.030(T). Violation of this subsection is a civil infraction as defined in Section 6.04.120(A).
(Ord. 7083 §1, 2017; Ord. 6927 §1, 2014; Ord. 6400 §1, 2006; Ord. 5612 §2, 1996; Ord. 4881 §2, 1988; Ord. 4338 §5, 1981).
6.04.060 Cruelty to animals
No person shall do the following to any animal.
A. Animal Cruelty.
1. A person is guilty of animal cruelty if the person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon the animal.
2. A person is guilty of animal cruelty if the person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence:
a. Fails to provide the animal with necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, space, or medical attention and the animal suffers unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain as a result of the failure; or
b. Abandons the animal.
3. If a person commits the crime of animal cruelty by using or trapping to use domestic dogs or cats as bait, prey, or targets for the purpose of training dogs or other animals to track, fight, or hunt law enforcement officers or animal control officers shall seize and hold the animals being trained. The seized animals shall be disposed of by the court pursuant to provisions of OMC 6.04.100.
4. This section shall not in any way interfere with or impair the operation of any provision of Title 28B RCW, relating to higher education or biomedical research.
5. Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor. It shall be an affirmative defense, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant’s failure was due to economic distress beyond the defendant’s control.
B. Animal Fighting--Owners, Trainers, Spectators--Exceptions.
1. Any owner who does any of the following is guilty of a gross misdemeanor:
a. Owns, possesses, keeps, or trains any animal with the intent that the animal shall be engaged in an exhibition of fighting with another animal; or
b. For amusement or gain causes any animal to fight with another animal or causes any animals to injure each other; or
c. Permits any act in violation of (a) or (b) of this subsection to be done on any premises under the owner’s charge or control, or promotes or aids or abets any such act.
2. Any owner who is knowingly present, as a spectator, at any place or building where preparations are being made for an exhibition of the fighting of animals, with the intent to be present at such preparations, or is knowingly present at such exhibition or at any other fighting or injuring as described in subsection (1)(b) of this section, with the intent to be present at such exhibition, fighting, or injuring, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
3. Nothing in this section may prohibit the following:
a. The use of dogs in the management of “livestock,” as defined by Chapter 16.57 RCW and incorporated herein by reference, by the owner of the livestock or the owner’s employees or agents or other persons in lawful custody of livestock;
b. The use of dogs in hunting as permitted by law; or
c. The training of animals or the use of equipment in the training of animals for any purpose not prohibited by law.
C. Poisoning Animals.
1. Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a person is guilty of the crime of poisoning animals if the person intentionally or knowingly poisons an animal under the circumstances which do not constitute animal cruelty.
2. Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to euthanizing by poison an animal in a lawful and humane manner by the animal’s owner, or by a duly authorized servant or agent of the owner, or by a person acting pursuant to instructions from a duly constituted public authority.
3. Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to the reasonable use of rodent or pest poison, insecticides, fungicides, or slug bait for their intended purposes. As used in this section, the term “rodent” includes but is not limited to Columbia ground squirrels, other ground squirrels, rats, mice, gophers, rabbits, and any other rodent designated as injurious to the interests of the state as provided in Chapter 17.15 RCW. The term “pest” as used in this section includes any pest as defined in RCW 17.21.020.
4. An owner violating this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
D. Unlawful Use of a Hook. A person is guilty of unlawful use of a hook if the person utilizes, or attempts to use, a hook with intent to pierce the flesh or mouth of a bird or mammal. Unlawful use of a hook is a gross misdemeanor.
E. Sentences, Forfeiture of Animals, Liability of Costs, Education and Counseling.
1. In the case of multiple misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor convictions, the sentences shall be consecutive; however, the probationary period shall remain two years.
2. In addition to the penalties imposed by the court, the court shall order the forfeiture of all animals held by law enforcement or animal services under the provisions of Chapter 6.04 OMC if any one of the animals dies as a result of violation of this chapter or if the defendant has a prior conviction under this chapter. In other cases the court may enter an order requiring the owner to forfeit the animal if the court deems the animal’s treatment to have been severe and likely to reoccur. If the forfeiture is ordered, the owner shall be prohibited from owning or caring for any similar animal for a period of two years.
3. In addition to the fines and court costs, the defendant, only if convicted or in agreement, shall be liable for reasonable costs incurred pursuant to this chapter by law enforcement agencies, Animal Services, or authorized private or public entities involved with the care of the animals. Reasonable costs include expenses of the investigation, and the animal’s care, euthanization, or adoption.
4. As a condition of the sentence imposed under this chapter, the court may also order the defendant to participate in an available animal cruelty prevention or education program or obtain available psychological counseling to treat mental health problems contributing to the violation’s commission. The defendant shall bear the costs of the program or treatment.
F. Limitations and Exclusions from Chapter 6.04 OMC.
1. No part of this chapter shall be deemed to interfere with any of the laws of this state known as “game laws”, nor deemed to interfere with the right to destroy any venomous reptile or any known as dangerous to life, limb, or property, or to interfere with the right to kill animals to be used for food or with any properly conducted scientific experiments or investigations, which experiments or investigations shall be performed only under the authority of the faculty or some regularly incorporated college or university of the State of Washington or a research facility registered with the United State Department of Agriculture and regulated by 7 U.S.C. sec 2131 et seq.
2. Nothing in this chapter applies to accepted husbandry practices used in the commercial raising or slaughtering of livestock or poultry, or products thereof or the use of animals in the normal and usual course of rodeo events or to the customary use or exhibiting of animals at events such as fairs as defined in RCW 15.76.120.
(Ord. 7358 §1, 2023; Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 6400 §1, 2006; Ord. 5612 §2, 1996; Ord. 4881 §5, 1988; Ord. 4693 §2, 1986; Ord. 4338 §6, 1981).
6.04.070 Confinement or restraint of a pet animal
A pet animal shall not be trapped in any manner that subjects the animal to injury inherent in the mechanism of the trap. A humane box trap may be set on a complainant’s property for the purpose of trapping nuisance pet animals. Animals which are caught in such a trap must be returned to their owners or taken to Animal Services. Injurious confinement or restraint of a pet animal is a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 5612 §2, 1996; Ord. 4881 §6, 1988; Ord. 4693 §1, 1986; Ord. 4338 §7, 1981).
6.04.080 Venomous and constrictor reptiles
A humane and secure facility shall be provided for constrictor type reptiles over eight feet in length and all venomous reptiles. Escape of any venomous reptile or constrictor type reptile must be reported immediately to Animal Services. Failure to comply constitutes a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 5612 §2, 1996).
6.04.090 Unlawful release of pet animal
No person other than the owner or an officer acting in an official capacity to enforce this chapter shall release a pet animal from any enclosed area within which the animal is properly restrained or from any restraining device such as a leash or chain by which the animal is properly restrained. Unlawful release of a pet animal is a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 5612 §2, 1996).
6.04.100 Impoundment and redemption
A. Impoundment. An officer may impound any pet animal in violation of Section 6.04.050(A) through (D) and (F) through (I), Section 6.04.110D, or any other pet animal at large as defined in Section 6.04.030(D). Impoundment of an animal may also occur when an animal is received by Animal Services.
B. Notification of owner. Upon any pet animal being impounded, Animal Services shall, as soon as feasible, notify the owner, or keeper, if the owner or keeper is known, of the impoundment of the pet animal, and the terms required for the pet animal’s return to the owner or keeper. Notification will be made by telephone, if possible, and next by written notice if the owner’s or keeper’s telephone number is unknown. If the owner or keeper cannot be identified, the notification of impoundment will be posted on a recorded outgoing telephone message (See Subsection H, below), and shall include a description of the pet animal, the reason for impoundment, the general location where the animal was found, and the date the impound occurred. Notice shall advise the owner or keeper that the animal or pet animal shall be placed for adoption or euthanized by Animal Services unless reclaimed within the time limits provided in this section.
C. Reclaim of pet animal; Fees. The owner or keeper may reclaim any pet animal impounded under this chapter within a 48-hour hold period from the time of impoundment, excluding Sundays and holidays, by demonstrating that all of the following conditions have been met:
1. Paying a claim fee pursuant to a posted schedule of fees duly adopted by the Joint Animal Services Commission;
2. Paying all fines and penalties;
3. Paying all medical costs incurred during the animal’s impoundment;
a. Demonstrating that all conditions for the release of the pet animal have been met;
b. Obtaining a license, if the animal was not previously licensed.
The Director or designee has discretion to enter into a time payment arrangement for the fees, fines, penalties and costs described above.
D. Failure by owner to reclaim pet animal. If the owner or keeper of the pet animal can be identified and fails to reclaim the pet or sign a release of ownership of the pet animal within the 48-hour holding period, the pet animal will be considered forfeited to Animal Services. However the owner or keeper will remain responsible for payment of the impound, and any medical fees. If the failure to reclaim the pet animal is due to the owner’s incarceration or incapacity, notification of incarceration or incapacity to Animal Services will serve to extend the 48-hour hold period by an additional 48 hours. The pet animal may be reclaimed during that additional 48-hour hold period by any person who has obtained the written or verbal permission of the owner to reclaim the animal, or by any person who is a legally appointed agent for the owner or keeper. Verbal permission must be provided by the owner to the Director or the Director’s designee.
E. Availability of pet animal for adoption. If the pet animal is not reclaimed by the owner or keeper within 48 hours of impoundment, subject to subsection C.1., above, it may be made available for adoption during the next 48 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays, unless, in the opinion of the Animal Services Director or director’s designee, the animal is unsuitable for adoption, in which case it may be euthanized.
F. Late Reclaim of pet animal. If a pet animal is adopted after the 48-hour holding period, and an owner or keeper appears to reclaim the animal after that time, return of the animal to the owner or keeper shall be at the discretion of the adopter.
G. Opportunity for Hearing on impound/reclaim fees and costs. Prior to reclaiming an impounded animal, an owner or keeper who wishes to contest the impoundment of the owner’s or keeper’s animal and/or the assessment of fees pursuant to impoundment, the following procedure is available:
1. The owner or keeper must appear in person at the Animal Services Shelter and request the form for contesting impoundment and fees. If the owner or keeper is unable to personally appear due to the owner’s or keeper’s incarceration or incapacity, the owner or keeper may provide written or verbal permission to another person to act in the owner’s or keeper’s place. Verbal permission must be provided to the Director or the Director’s designee.
2. The owner or keeper or the owner’s or keeper’s designee must complete the form and sign it under penalty of perjury.
3. The owner or keeper or the owner’s or keeper’s designee must give the completed form to staff at the Animal Services Shelter. The Animal Services Director or the Animal Services Director’s designee will review the form and records on file for the impoundment, will meet with the owner or keeper or the owner’s or keeper’s designee, and will decide based on all the above whether to impose the fees for impoundment and other services as set forth in this Section; to adjust the fees based on the completed form; or to not assess fees based on the completed form. The decision will be discretionary with the Director or the Director’s designee, and is non-appealable.
H. Owner unknown. If the owner or keeper of a pet animal is not known, a notice providing appropriate information as described in Section 6.04.100(B) above shall be recorded onto a telephone message device maintained by Animal Services. This notice shall continue to be recorded for a period of 96 hours from the date of impoundment, or less if said pet animal is reclaimed or adopted after the 48-hour holding period required by Section 6.04.100(C) above.
I. Sick and injured. All seriously sick or injured pet animals, licensed or not, may be impounded when not in the owner’s or keeper’s possession and may be given emergency medical treatment or euthanized. Costs for any medical treatment provided in this manner will be the responsibility of the owner or keeper of the pet animal, if known, or, if unknown, of Animal Services. The Animal Services Director or designee shall immediately notify the owner, or keeper, if the owner or keeper is known, and if the owner or keeper is unknown, make all reasonable efforts to locate and notify the owner or keeper.
J. Abandoned pet animals. Officers have authority to impound any pet animal that:
1. is found abandoned within any building, establishment, or within or on any premises, whether public or private; or
2. comes into the custody of Animal Services due to police or other government action against the pet animal’s owner.
Upon such impoundment, Animal Services shall treat such pet animal in the same manner as other impoundments provided for in this chapter. Litters of puppies and kittens under three months of age brought to or left at the Animal Shelter may be made available for adoption, placed in foster care, or euthanized immediately at the discretion of the Director or the Director’s designee.
K. Euthanasia. If any pet animal is not reclaimed or adopted at the end of the holding period, it may be euthanized. An animal determined by the Director or Director’s designee to be feral is subject to being euthanized at any time after its impoundment and will not be subject to the holding period.
(Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 6400 §1, 2006; Ord. 5612 §2, 1996).
6.04.110 Potentially dangerous dog or dangerous dog
A. Classification. The Animal Services Director or designee shall have authority to classify potentially dangerous dogs and dangerous dogs. The authority to classify an animal as potentially dangerous or dangerous is in addition to a civil or criminal penalty as provided in this chapter. The Animal Services Director may find and declare an animal potentially dangerous or dangerous if there is reasonable cause to believe that the animal’s action falls within the descriptions which follow. The finding must be based upon the written complaint of a person who has pertinent information and who is willing to testify that the dog has acted in a manner which may cause it to be classified as a dangerous dog or a potentially dangerous dog; and one of the following:
1. Reports on file with Animal Services about previous aggressive behavior by the dog; or
2. Actions of the dog witnessed by any Animal Services Officer or law enforcement officer; or
3. Other substantial evidence.
B. Actions resulting in designation. The following actions may result in the designation as a potentially dangerous dog or dangerous dog.
1. A dog shall be declared potentially dangerous if, unprovoked, it:
a. Inflicts a bite or bites on a human or a pet or domestic animal either on public or private property; or
b. Chases or approaches a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds or behaves in a menacing manner or assumes an apparent attitude of attack, or
c. Has a known propensity to attack unprovoked, or to cause injury, or otherwise to threaten the safety of humans or pet or domestic animals.
2. A dog shall be declared a dangerous dog when, according to the records of Animal Services, the dog has:
a. Inflicted severe injury or substantial bodily harm on a human being without provocation on public or private property;
b. Killed a pet or domestic animal without provocation while off the owner’s or keeper’s property; or
c. Aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered the safety of humans or pet or domestic animals after previously having been found to be potentially dangerous, and the owner or keeper has received written warning.
3. A dog shall not be declared potentially dangerous or dangerous if:
a. The threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner or keeper of the dog, or
b. The person was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or has, in the past, been observed or reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the dog, or
c. The person was committing or attempting to commit a crime; or
d. Another pet animal or domestic animal has entered the property of the owner of the dog without invitation; or
e. The dog, when on a leash, is responding to attack by another pet or domestic animal whether on or off the owner’s or keeper’s premises.
C. Declaration as potentially dangerous or dangerous dog.
1. Notice of Declaration. The declaration of a dog as potentially dangerous or dangerous shall be in writing and shall be served on the owner or keeper in one of the following methods, with a copy to the complaining citizen:
a. Certified mail to the owner’s or keeper’s last known address; or
b. Personally; or
c. If the owner or keeper cannot be located by one of the first two methods, by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in Thurston County.
2. Contents of Declaration. The declaration shall state at least:
a. The description of the dog;
b. The name and address of the owner or keeper of the dog;
c. The whereabouts of the dog if it is not in the custody of the owner or keeper;
d. The facts upon which the declaration of potentially dangerous or dangerous is based;
e. The availability of a review of the declaration in case the person objects to the declaration, provided a written request for a review is made within ten days of the date of mailing of the declaration or the date of publication, if the declaration was published;
f. The availability of an appeal of the declaration to the animal services hearings examiner, if a written request for such an appeal is filed with the Director within ten days after receipt of the written findings pursuant to the review of the declaration;
g. The restrictions placed on the dog as a result of the declaration of potentially dangerous or dangerous; and
h. The criminal penalties for violation of the restrictions as set forth in Sections 6.04.120 and 6.04.130.
3. Objection to Declaration. If the owner or keeper of the dog or the complaining citizen wishes to object to the declaration of a dog as potentially dangerous or dangerous; they may, within ten (10) days of receipt of the declaration, or within ten (10) days of publication of the declaration pursuant to Section 6.04.110(C)(1)(c), request a review of the declaration by the Animal Services Director. The review will be scheduled by the Director or designee within a reasonable time of receipt of the request for a review. Pending such review, the owner or keeper of such dog shall comply with any restrictions specified in the declaration.
4. Review of Declaration.
a. If the Director finds that there is insufficient evidence to support the declaration, it shall be rescinded, and no restrictions shall be imposed.
b. If the Director finds sufficient evidence to support the declaration the Director may impose the same or different restrictions.
c. The decision of the Director to rescind the declaration or to affirm the declaration as potentially dangerous or dangerous, and any resulting restrictions, shall be stated in a document containing written findings sent to the owner or keeper of the dog via regular and certified mail return receipt requested, or delivered in person to the owner. A copy of such document shall be provided to the complaining citizen by regular mail, certified mail or personal delivery.
d. The owner or keeper of a dog designated as dangerous will be required to obtain a certificate of registration as a dangerous dog pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.04.110(E).
5. Appeal of Declaration.
After the Animal Services Director’s review of the declaration, the owner or keeper of a dog that is designated potentially dangerous or dangerous, or the complaining citizen, may appeal the declaration to the Animal Services Hearings Examiner pursuant to the rules and procedures established by the Hearings Examiner. A written request for such an appeal shall be filed with the Director within ten days of receipt of the written findings as specified in 6.04.110(C)(4)(c).
a. In addition to any other requirements, the written appeal shall contain the following:
(1) A brief statement as to how the appellant is significantly affected by or interested in the decision of the Director;
(2) A brief statement of the appellant’s issues on appeal, noting specific exceptions and objections to the declaration;
(3) The relief requested, such as reversal of the declaration; and
(4) Signature, address, and phone number of the appellant, and name and address of appellant’s designated representative, if any.
b. Except as provided in this Chapter, the appeal shall proceed in accordance with the provisions established by the animal services Hearings Examiner for appeals.
c. Notice of the appeal hearing shall be mailed to the appellant’s address as listed on the written appeal, with a copy to the owner or keeper if the appeal is filed by any other complaining citizen.
d. At the hearing, the scope of evidence and the scope of review shall be de novo.
e. The burden shall be on the animal control authority to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the animal is a dangerous animal or potentially dangerous animal as defined in this Chapter.
f. The Hearings Examiner shall render a decision on the appeal within 30 calendar days following the conclusion of all testimony and hearings and closing of the record unless a longer period of time is agreed to by the parties. The Hearings Examiner may affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the Animal Services Director.
g. The decision of the Hearings Examiner shall be considered final. Decisions by the hearings examiner shall be appealable to Thurston County Superior Court.
D. Control and confinement of potentially dangerous or dangerous dogs includes:
1. Potentially dangerous dogs.
a. Must be securely leashed and under the control of a person physically able to control the animal when away from the premises of the owner or keeper; or
b. While on the premises of the owner or keeper must be securely restrained by means of a physical device or structure such as a tether, trolley system, or other physical control device or any structure made of materials strong enough to adequately and humanely confine the dog in a manner which prevents it from escaping the premises; and
c. Must be in conformance with other restrictions which may be set forth in the designation classifying the dog as potentially dangerous.
2. Dangerous dogs.
a. Must be securely muzzled and leashed and under the control of a person physically able to restrain and control the dog if the dog is away from the premises of the owner or keeper; or
b. While on the premises of the owner or keeper, the dog must be securely confined inside a locked building, kennel, pen, or other structure having secure sides, bottom, and top, suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the animal from escaping; and
c. Must be in conformance with other restrictions which may be set forth in the designation classifying the dog as dangerous.
E. Certificate of registration as dangerous dog. The Animal Services Director shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner or keeper of a dangerous dog if the owner or keeper presents sufficient evidence of:
1. A proper enclosure to confine the dog, which meets the requirements of Section 6.04.110(D) and the posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign that there is a dangerous dog on the property; and
2. A surety bond issued by a surety insurer qualified under Chapter 48.28 RCW, in a form acceptable to the Animal Services Director in the sum of at least $250,000, payable to any person injured by the dangerous dog, or a policy of liability insurance issued by an insurer qualified under RCW Title 48 in the amount of at least $250,000, insuring the owner or keeper for any injuries inflicted by the dangerous dog; and
3. Such other identifying information as may be required by the Animal Services Director; and
4. Certification that the owner or keeper is aware of and understands the nature of the dog and the provisions of the law which apply to it; and
5. Payment of an annual registration fee for a dangerous dog in the sum of $125.00, which shall be in addition to the annual license fee.
F. Violations following a designation as potentially dangerous or dangerous dog penalties.
1. Any potentially dangerous dog that is in violation of the restrictions contained within this section or of restrictions imposed as part of the declaration of potentially dangerous dog may be seized and impounded at the expense of the dog owner. Any dangerous dog that is in violation of the restrictions contained within this section or of restrictions imposed as part of the declaration of dangerous dog shall be seized and impounded at the expense of the dog owner. The owner shall be responsible for paying the costs of impoundment and control of the dog. The Director or the Director’s designee must serve notice upon the dog owner in person or by regular and certified mail, return receipt requested, specifying the reason for the impoundment of the dangerous dog, that the owner is responsible for payment of the costs of impoundment, and that the dog will be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner if the deficiencies for which the dog was impounded are not corrected within twenty days, and specifying the appeal procedure for a decision to destroy the animal.
The animal control authority shall destroy the impounded dangerous dog in an expeditious and humane manner if any deficiencies required by this subsection are not corrected within twenty days of notification. The appeal procedure for a decision to destroy the animal is as follows:
a. The owner or keeper of a dog that will be destroyed according to the provisions of this subsection may appeal that decision to the Hearings Examiner. The owner or keeper must submit a written request for an appeal to the Director within ten days of receipt of the notice referenced in this subsection.
b. The owner or keeper shall be notified of the time and place for the appeal. Failure to appear at the specified time will result in an order by the Hearings Examiner affirming the Director’s decision.
c. The Hearings Examiner may affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the Director. The decision of the Hearings Examiner shall be sent to the owner or keeper by regular and certified mail, return receipt requested.
2. Any person violating the provisions of this section relating to keeping, securing, or confining of potentially dangerous dogs shall constitute a misdemeanor as set forth in Section 6.04.120(D), unless state law provides for a higher penalty. In addition, the person’s potentially dangerous dog may be impounded by Animal Services, at the discretion of the Director of Animal Services, or the Director of Animal Services’ designee.
3. Any person violating the provisions of this section relating to keeping, securing, or confining of dangerous dogs shall constitute a gross misdemeanor as set forth in Section 6.04.120(E), unless state law provides for a higher penalty. In addition, the person’s dangerous dog may be impounded by Animal Services, at the discretion of the Director of Animal Services, or the Director of Animal Services’ designee.
G. Other dangerous animals. The Animal Services Director or designee shall have authority to classify other animals as dangerous under the same criteria as used in Section 6.04.110(A) for dogs. Such designation will be based on specific actions by the animal such as those noted in Section 6.04.110(B) and the Animal Services Director or designee shall have authority to require the owner or keeper of such animal to take certain actions to control or confine the animal such as specified in Section 6.04.110(C) and (D). Once an animal has been declared potentially dangerous or dangerous, any violations of the provisions of this section will be handled in the same manner as violations under Section 6.04.110(F).
(Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 6927 §2, 2014; Ord. 6400 §1, 2006; Ord. 5612 §2, 1996).
6.04.120 Penalties
A. Violation of the following sections of this chapter shall constitute a Class 3 civil infraction. A second infraction for certain offenses within an 18-month period will constitute a Class 2 civil infraction. A third infraction for certain offenses within an 18-month period will constitute a Class 1 civil infraction. “Within an 18-month period” means the violation date for a prior offense occurred within 18 months of the date of the subsequent violation.
1. Section 6.04.040(A) Failure to license; provided that the infraction shall be dismissed if, within 14 days of the date of issuance of the infraction, the person cited shows evidence of licensing of the subject animal to the Olympia Court Clerk. The Court Clerk, at the direction of the Olympia Municipal Court, may assess court administrative costs of up to $25.00 at the time of the dismissal;
2. Section 6.04.050(A) Pet animal at large (first violation; second violation is a Class 2 civil infraction; third violation is a Class 1 civil infraction).
3. Section 6.04.050(B) Nuisance pet animal (first violation; second violation is a Class 2 civil infraction; third violation is a Class 1 civil infraction).
4. Section 6.04.050(I); Menacing Animal (first violation; second violation is a Class 2 civil infraction; third violation is a Class 1 civil infraction).
B. Violation of the following sections of this chapter shall constitute a Class 4 civil infraction:
1. Section 6.04.050(C) Pet animals on public property.
2. Section 6.04.050(E) Failure to remove fecal material; failure to possess removal equipment.
3. Section 6.04.050(F) Failure to sterilize an adopted pet animal.
C. Four or more violations of the offenses listed in subsection A, herein within an 18-month period shall constitute a misdemeanor.
Civil infractions shall be heard and determined according to Chapter 7.80 RCW, as amended, and any applicable court rules.
D. Violations of the following sections of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor and will subject the animal to impoundment.
1. Section 6.04.040(H) Tag removal unlawful;
2. Section 6.04.040(J) Exotic Animals;
3. Section 6.04.050(D) Injury to a person or animal;
4. Section 6.04.050(G) Failure to provide humane care;
5. Section 6.04.050(H) Failure to meet terms of quarantine;
6. Section 6.04.060 Cruelty to animals;
7. Section 6.04.070 Confinement or restraint of a pet animal;
8. Section 6.04.080 Venomous and constrictor reptiles;
9. Section 6.04.090 Unlawful release of a pet animal;
10. Section 6.04.110(F)(2) Violation of keeping, securing or confining a potentially dangerous dog.
E. Violations of the following sections of this chapter shall constitute a gross misdemeanor and will subject the animal to impoundment:
1. Section 6.04.110(F)(3) Violation of keeping, securing or confining a dangerous dog.
F. The penalties set forth in this section shall not prevent additional, concurrent remedies or designations, including but not limited to those set forth in OMC 6.04.110.
(Ord. 6400 §1, 2006; Ord. 5612 §2, 1996).
6.04.130 Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
A. Where this chapter designates violations as misdemeanors, such violations shall, upon a conviction being obtained, result in a fine not to exceed $1,000, or to imprisonment not to exceed ninety days, or to both such fine and imprisonment, unless a different fine or duration of imprisonment is mandated by state law.
B. Where a violation is designated as a gross misdemeanor, a conviction thereon shall result in a fine not to exceed $5,000, or to imprisonment not to exceed one year, or to both such fine and imprisonment, unless a different fine or duration of imprisonment is mandated by state law.
(Ord. 5612 §2, 1996).
6.04.140 Keeping Restricted
It is unlawful for any person, persons, firm, association or corporation to maintain in the city within one hundred and fifty feet of any dwelling or residence, hotel, rooming house, or place of business, any horses, sheep, mules, goats, hogs, cattle or llamas, whether tethered or otherwise restrained, or in any pen, lot or other place where such animals might be kept.
(Ord. 6400 §1, 2006).