Chapter 6.08 ANIMAL CONTROL AND PROTECTION

Dogs over four months of age that are kept or harbored within the city are required to have a dog license issued by the police department. Guard dogs must be licensed pursuant to Section 6.08.080. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.020 Dog license—Application.

Application for such license shall be made upon forms provided by the police department. The application shall list the name, address, and telephone number of the owner(s) (must be over the age of eighteen years); the name, breed, color, age and sex of the dog. All applications must include proof of current rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian, and EAID information, if applicable. Such information shall be kept conveniently by the issuing official and indexed by the unique number of the license tag issued. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.030 Dog license—Expiration.

The dog license shall be valid during the life of the dog, but shall not be transferred to another owner or keeper; provided, that the city council may impose a license fee by resolution. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.040 Dog license tag—Required.

Each licensed dog shall be provided by the owner or keeper with a suitable collar or harness which shall be worn by the dog at all times when not upon the premises of its owner or keeper. A license tag provided by the police department shall be affixed to the collar. The tag shall be so affixed as to hang and be discernible to a person of normal vision at not less than ten feet. Tags may be temporarily removed during officially sanctioned dog training, dog shows and dog matches. The license tag shall be stamped with a unique number. It is unlawful for any person other than the owner, his agent, or the animal control authority to remove the license tag from the dog. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.050 Dog license tag—Lost.

Any owner or keeper of a licensed dog, whose tag has been lost, shall within seven days complete a new application form and obtain a new license tag from the animal control authority. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.060 Dog license—Transfer of ownership.

Whenever the ownership of a dog changes, the new owner shall notify the animal control authority within seven days whereupon the owner records shall be updated and the previously issued license tag and number shall remain valid for the remainder of the dog’s life. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.070 Animal waste.

A. It is unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog, either willfully or by failure to exercise due care, to permit such dog to commit a public nuisance by defecating upon private property without the permission of the owner or custodian thereof, upon the public sidewalk, in or upon any public street, or any other public place. It shall be a defense to a charge under this section that the owner or the keeper of the animal possessed the appropriate device for removal of waste and did immediately remove and properly dispose of the waste; provided, that this subsection shall not apply to a person whose visual or physical condition is an impediment to compliance with this section.

B. It is unlawful for any owner or keeper to allow waste to accumulate on said owner’s or keeper’s property to the extent that neighbors are adversely affected by odor or runoff. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 2, 2016)

6.08.080 Guard dogs—Special requirements.

Guard dog owners and guard dog services shall register all dogs used within the city, regardless of owner address. In addition to information required by Section 6.08.020, the registration shall include:

A. EAID number:

1. EAID type;

2. Proof of ownership of EAID (bill of sale, veterinarian affidavit, etc.).

B. Guard dogs, newly acquired by owners or guard dog services, shall be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the city no later than ten days from acquisition and in no case shall such animal be placed in service prior to vaccination.

C. Guard dogs shall be registered annually with the city.

D. Each guard dog shall have an implanted EAID readable by the city’s equipment.

E. The escape or disappearance of a guard dog shall, in the interest of public safety, be reported immediately to the local emergency dispatch center.

F. It shall be a condition of registration that animal control officers shall at any reasonable time, unannounced, have the right to enter the premises and inspect all animal health records, dogs, and kennels housing guard dogs and other premises where such dogs are kept. Refusal to allow inspection shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this chapter.

G. The vehicle of every guard dog service transporting any guard dog must be clearly marked, showing that it is transporting an aggressive dog. A compartment separate from the driver is required and shall be arranged to ensure maximum ventilation for the animal. No guard dog shall be transported in the trunk of a car or on an open bed truck.

H. Each business which hires or uses a guard dog to patrol the premises after business hours shall provide adequate fencing or some other confining structure to keep the guard dog within the enclosed area.

I. Each business which hires or uses a guard dog that is present during business hours shall have the dog confined in such a manner so as not to pose a danger to the public. Confinement shall, at a minimum, prevent deliberate or inadvertent physical contact by the public.

J. At each entry point and at each fifty-foot interval along the fence perimeter, if applicable, a sign shall be posted including the words “guard dog” in three-inch letters. All entry points shall be double-gated.

K. Entry points shall have a sign posted with the telephone number of the dog’s handler and/or owner in case of an emergency.

L. Dogs used for guarding businesses shall be given a humane existence, including adequate shelter, food, water, sanitation and exercise. Dogs confined to a cage or kennel shall be able to stand freely and turn without restriction and shall be permitted daily exercise for an appropriate length of time, as determined by their size and age in a yard or other area suitable for that purpose.

M. No dog which has been declared a dangerous dog by the city shall be used as a guard dog. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021)

6.08.100 Dog at large.

It is unlawful for the owner, keeper or his agent to permit any dog to run at large within the city at any time. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.110 Dog at large—Parks.

It is unlawful for the owner or keeper to permit any dog in public parks except when restrained on a leash by a person over the age of twelve years and capable of restraining the dog, and subject to all applicable rules and regulations relating to the use of parks. When a dog is within the fenced perimeter of the S-W Bark Park, it is unlawful for the owner or keeper to permit any dog in the S-W Bark Park except when attended and under the control of an authorized person over the age of twelve years and capable of restraining the dog, and subject to all applicable rules and regulations relating to the use of the S-W Bark Park. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.120 Unlawful tethering.

A. Any animal that is restrained by a tether must be restrained in compliance with this section.

B. If chain is used for tethering, it must have links of five-sixteenths of an inch or smaller.

C. The use of chains or choke chains as collars is prohibited. This subsection does not apply to choke chains used for training purposes when a person is present at all times and actively engaged in training the animal.

D. Any tether must be connected to a collar or harness on a swivel or in a manner that prevents the tether from tangling.

E. The tether may be connected to the animal only by a buckle-type or snap-on collar or a body harness made of nylon or leather. Any collar or harness must fit the animal properly.

F. Any tether must be at least ten feet in length, and the animal must have access to clean water and adequate shelter while tethered. The shelter and water vessel must be constructed or attached in such a way that the animal cannot knock over the shelter or water vessel.

G. If there are multiple animals tethered, each animal must be on a separate tether and not secured to the same fixed point.

H. It is a violation:

1. To tether any animal in such a manner as to permit the animal to leave the owner’s property;

2. To tether any animal in such a manner that allows the animal to be within ten feet of any public right-of-way;

3. To tether any animal in such a manner that the animal can become entangled with any obstruction or any other tethered animal or be able to partially or totally jump over any fence;

4. To tether any animal in a manner that prevents it from lying, sitting, and standing comfortably, and without the restraint becoming taut;

5. To tether any animal that is sick, injured, or in distress, in the advanced stages of pregnancy, or under six months of age;

6. To tether any animal during any severe weather advisories, warnings, or emergencies that have been issued or declared by the National Weather Service for the location at which the animal is tethered, unless the animal is provided with natural or manmade shelter that is adequate to keep it safe, dry, and protected under such conditions;

7. To tether any animal in a manner that results in the animal being left in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, or that forces the animal to stand, sit, or lie down in its own excrement or urine; or otherwise endangers the health or safety of the animal;

8. To tether any animal between the hours of eleven p.m. and five a.m. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.130 Animal entering places where food is stored, served or prepared.

It is unlawful for the owner or keeper to permit any animal to enter a store, market or other place where food is stored, prepared, served or sold to the public. Service animals are exempted from this section. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.140 Animal noise control.

It is unlawful to harbor or keep any animal which by frequent or habitual howls, barks, or other loud noises unreasonably annoys or disturbs another resident in the immediate neighborhood. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.145 Household pets—Maximum number kept.

No person shall own or keep within the city limits of Sedro-Woolley more than three dogs of licensing age. This limit shall not include suckling young.

Any person intending to keep more than three dogs of licensing age as referred to in this chapter shall do so only as a properly licensed kennel or veterinary clinic.

In addition to pet limitations outlined in this section, any persons due to unforeseen or emergency circumstances may temporarily shelter a total of two additional dogs in any combination for a period not to exceed six months. Such animals shall be disclosed to the animal control officer. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1873-17 § 3, 2017)

6.08.150 Dog chasing vehicles.

It is unlawful to permit any dog to chase cars, motorcycles, bicycles or any other vehicle. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.160 Injuring animal with vehicle.

No person shall willfully injure, beat, abuse or run down any animal with a vehicle. Any person who kills or injures an animal while driving a vehicle shall stop at the scene of the accident and render such assistance as practicable, shall make a reasonable effort to locate and identify himself to the owner or any person having custody of the animal, and shall report the accident immediately to the police department. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1839-15 § 1 (part), 2015)

6.08.170 Cruelty to animals.

It is unlawful for any person within the city to intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence commit, singly or together, any of the following acts or omissions, or to aid or abet another person in the commission of such acts or omissions, which are deemed to constitute cruel treatment of animals:

A. To cause or allow any animal to endure pain, suffering, or injury or to fail or neglect to aid or attempt to alleviate pain, suffering, or injury which the person has caused to any animal. Such aid shall include provision of needed veterinary care;

B. To fail to provide minimum care to any animal within the person’s care, custody or control; for the purpose of this section, “minimum care” means care sufficient to preserve the health and well-being of an animal and, except for emergencies or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the owner or keeper, includes, but is not limited to, the following requirements:

1. In each period of twenty-four consecutive hours, to provide food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or maintenance of body weight;

2. In each of twenty-four consecutive hours, to provide open or adequate access to potable water in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal’s needs. Neither ice nor snow is an adequate water source;

3. In the case of domestic animals, to provide a barn, dog house or other enclosed structure sufficient to protect the animal from wind, rain, snow or sun, and which has adequate bedding to protect against cold or dampness;

4. To provide veterinary care deemed necessary by a reasonably prudent person to relieve distress from injury, neglect or disease;

5. No domestic animal shall be confined to an area without adequate space for exercise necessary for the health of the animal or which does not allow access to a dry place for the animal to rest. The air temperature in a confinement area must be suitable for the animal involved. Confinement areas must be kept reasonably clean and free from excess mud, waste or other contaminants which could affect the animal’s health;

C. To tether, confine or restrain any animal in such a way as to permit said animal to become frequently entangled in such tether, or to render such animal incapable of consuming food or water or of using shelter provided for it, while at the same time allowing adequate space for freedom of movement;

D. To abandon any animal by dropping off or leaving such animal on a street, road or highway, or in a public place, or on the private property of another person;

E. To confine an animal within or on a motor vehicle or other structure or enclosure at any location when unattended and under such circumstances as may endanger the health and well-being of the animal. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, dangerous temperature, lack of food or water, and confinement with a vicious animal;

F. To transport or confine any living animal on the outside part of a motor vehicle except where attached to the vehicle by a suitable harness, leash, cage or other enclosure that protects the animal from falling or being thrown therefrom and which prevents the animal from leaving the vehicle while unattended. The outer part of the vehicle includes the running board, fender or hood of any motor vehicle or the flat bed of a truck and/or the open portion (bed) of a pickup truck;

G. To place any food, drink or other substance of any description containing poisonous or other injurious ingredients in any area reasonably likely to be accessible to domestic animals. Care shall be taken to avoid open containers or spills of antifreeze or other toxic substances;

H. To knowingly and intentionally, whether for amusement of self or others, or for financial gain, cause any animal to fight or injure any other animal, cause it to be fought or be injured by any animal or to train or keep for the purpose of training any animal with the intent that the animal shall be exhibited combatively with any other animal. Anyone who permits such conduct on premises under that person’s control and any person present as a spectator at that exhibition shall be considered a violator of this subsection;

I. To abandon or transfer to another person by gift, sale or exchange for consideration any animal in or upon any sidewalk, street, alley, lane, public right-of-way, park or any other public property except when the transfer takes place at a sale conducted by a public body or public officer, when the transfer takes place at an animal show or exhibition conducted by or for persons who regularly engage in the practice of breeding animals for show or exhibition, or when one of the parties to the transfer is a member of an animal welfare organization and is acting on behalf of the animal welfare organization.

Violation of any of the provisions of this section under circumstances not amounting to animal cruelty in the first degree (RCW 16.52.205) shall constitute a gross misdemeanor, and may be punished in accordance with RCW 16.52.200. (Ord. 2074-24 § 1, 2024; Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1839-15 § 1 (part), 2015)

6.08.180 Found stray animal.

It is the duty of any person who takes a stray animal, as defined in this title, into his or her possession to notify the city animal control authority at once, and to release such animal to said authority upon demand and without charge. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021)

6.08.200 Impoundment procedure—Generally.

A. Animals may be taken into the care and custody of the animal control authority in any of the following situations:

1. Dog at Large—Failure to Restrain. When a dog is off the premises of its owner or keeper and not under the control of its owner, keeper or other authorized person; this prohibition shall not apply to areas designated by the city for off leash training or exercise; or

2. Dog at Large—Trespass. If any dog, licensed or not, is on public property or the private property of another, and the caretaker or said private property owner requests that the dog be removed; provided, that the owner or keeper of the dog(s) cannot be located in a timely manner or is unknown; or

3. Dog at Large. When any dog, licensed or unlicensed, is found wandering and off the owner’s property, whether or not the identity of the owner is known; or

4. Dog at Large and Found by Citizen. When a dog is brought to the animal control authority by a private citizen who has found the dog; or

5. Dog in Violation of Declared Restrictions. When a dog has been declared potentially dangerous or dangerous pursuant to this title and/or state law, and the dog is at large, or has otherwise violated the restrictions placed upon it; or

6. Cruelty or Neglect. When any animal has been subjected to neglectful or cruel treatment as defined by Chapter 16.52 RCW and/or the provisions of this title; provided, that removal is necessary for the immediate safety and well-being of the animal; or

7. Owner Emergency. When the animal’s owner or keeper is incapable or unable to continue to care for it because of incarceration, severe illness, death, house fire or other emergency circumstances and an agent for the owner cannot be readily located; or

8. Owner Unable to Safely Quarantine. When a dog, cat or ferret has bitten a person, breaking or puncturing the skin, and the owner and/or keeper is unable, incapable or unwilling to provide the ten-day quarantine requirements; if such an animal is found at large the owner will be deemed unable to quarantine and the animal can be impounded.

B. Forthwith, following impoundment, the animal control authority shall notify the owner or keeper, if known, of its impoundment, using whatever reasonable means possible. If the animal’s owner is unknown or cannot be located, the information and description of the animal shall be available at the animal control authority during regular business hours.

C. All owners or keepers claiming impounded animals of any kind shall provide personal identification. No animal shall be released to any person under the age of eighteen. If a dog is unlicensed, the owner or keeper shall obtain a dog license and identifying tag for the redeemed dog within seventy-two hours to prevent the violation of failure to license. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.210 Impoundment—Entry of premises.

An animal control official, or other law enforcement officer, in hot pursuit of a dog known to be dangerous or potentially dangerous, or reasonably suspected of being dangerous to persons other than wrongful trespassers upon his owner’s premises, may enter the premises of the owner and demand possession of such dog. If, after request therefor, the owner or keeper of the dog shall refuse to deliver the dog to the official and the official cannot with reasonable safety catch the animal, the official may cause it to be killed; provided, such official shall not enter the residence of the owner without permission or a warrant. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.220 Impoundment—Fees.

A. For every dog impounded and held for safekeeping in the temporary holding kennels at the city police department, pursuant to this chapter, there shall be paid to the animal control authority, by any person desiring to redeem such animal, an impoundment fee as listed in the master fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council.

B. If circumstances arise whereby the animal control authority deems it necessary to transfer an impounded dog to another suitable animal shelter, veterinary hospital, or other boarding establishment, in addition to the impoundment fee, the city may require reimbursement for such actual costs for feeding, veterinary treatment, and care of such dogs as shall be imposed by the authorized agency selected by the animal control authority to care for the impounded dog.

C. Fees provided for in this section can be waived or reduced at the discretion of the animal control authority, upon a written finding that the owner did not otherwise violate the terms of this chapter. (Ord. 2013-22 § 12, 2022; Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.230 Impoundment—Redemption—Disposition.

A. The owner of any animal impounded pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may redeem the animal according to the procedures set out in this chapter; provided, that subject to the appeal procedures of this chapter, redemption may be denied to an owner who has cruelly treated an animal as defined in this chapter; and provided, that such owner file an appeal from a denial of redemption with the municipal court before closure of such office on the seventh business day following service of the notice of the denial. If service by mail, service shall be deemed complete upon the third business day following the day upon which notice is placed in the mail.

B. Redemption. Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, the owner or keeper of an impounded animal may claim the same at any time prior to the sale, rehoming, surrender or disposal of the animal by the animal control authority, and shall be entitled to possession thereof upon payment of all legal charges and expenses incidental to the impoundment, boarding, and keeping of the animal.

C. Disposition of Unclaimed Animal. Any animal not redeemed by its owner or keeper within forty-eight hours of the impoundment, not including Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays, may be humanely destroyed by an approved method, or may be surrendered to another authorized adoption agency, or may be placed for adoption with a new owner; provided, that the new owner agrees that the animal will not be used, sold, or donated for experimental purposes.

D. Disposition of Sick or Injured Animal. When, in the judgment of a licensed veterinarian or the animal control authority, an animal that has been impounded should be destroyed for humane reasons, the animal may be destroyed by an approved method before the expiration of the required holding period. Such cases must be documented in writing by the animal control authority.

E. Adjudication of Grievances. Any owner or keeper aggrieved as the result of an impoundment, condition for redemption, or deprivation pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may request a hearing before the municipal court judge to determine the justification of such classification, or the requirements imposed as a condition of redeeming the animal, per impoundment, or any determination, that the animal has been cruelly treated, neglected or abandoned. In the event the court confirms the classification and/or requirements, or determination that the animal has been cruelly treated, neglected or abandoned, the owner or keeper shall pay the costs of such hearing including the filing fee and the fees for witnesses called in support of the official action. Said hearing must be requested to the court no later than forty-eight hours, not including Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays, from the date of the impoundment, or five business days from the date of any notice of conditions for redemption or deprivation. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.240 Unable to safely impound.

If any dog that is posing an immediate threat to the safety of humans or other domesticated animals cannot be safely captured and impounded, such dog may be slain by the animal control authority or an authorized agent of the animal control authority. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.250 Control of rabid or potentially rabid cats, dogs, and ferrets.

It is unlawful for the owner of any cat, dog, or ferret when notified that such animal has bitten any person or has so injured any person as to cause an abrasion or puncture of the skin, to kill, sell, or give away such animal or to permit or allow such animal to be taken beyond the limits of the city, except to a veterinary hospital. It shall be the duty of the owner of the animal to immediately notify in person or by telephone the police or health department of the bite. It shall be the duty of the animal control authority to submit an animal bite report to the county public health authority.

A. Ten-Day Quarantine Mandatory. A cat, dog, or ferret which may transmit disease through its bite, which bites and breaks the skin of any person, shall be quarantined for a ten-day period to determine if the animal is infected with a disease. The place of quarantine shall be established by the animal control authority, and the animal control authority may, in its discretion, allow the owner and/or keeper of the animal to maintain the quarantine.

B. Quarantine Procedure.

1. Any cat, dog, or ferret that has bitten a human and broken the skin, regardless of provocation or previous inoculation for diseases, shall be contained for a period of not less than ten days, in such a manner that it is segregated from any other animals and the possibility of coming into contact with other animals and humans except for the caretaker.

2. If the owner and/or keeper is unable or unwilling to confine the cat, dog, or ferret, or if the animal control authority determines from the prior history of the cat, dog, or ferret that confinement is not likely, the cat, dog, or ferret may be quarantined at an animal shelter, or a veterinarian, or a boarding kennel of the owner’s choice; provided, that the costs to board the cat, dog, or ferret shall be borne by the owner if in a location other than the owner’s residence.

3. Should the cat, dog, or ferret, during the observation period, manifest any unusual behavior or develop symptoms of any illness or die, the owner, keeper or veterinarian shall immediately notify the animal control authority or the county public health authority of that condition.

C. Suspected Cat, Dog, or Ferret Is Slain or Dies. In all cases where any cat, dog, or ferret which has bitten a person or caused an abrasion or puncture of the skin is killed by any person or dies by other means, and a period of ten days has not elapsed since the day of the bite, it shall be the duty of any person killing such animal or the owner, to forthwith deliver intact the head of such animal to the county public health authority. The animal control authority shall be notified in such cases.

D. It shall be the duty of every medical doctor, hospital, or other applicable health official to report all cat, dog, or ferret bites that break the skin, regardless of provocation factors or previous inoculations record of the animal. Such report shall be made to the animal control authority as promptly as possible so that quarantine procedures can be instituted in a timely fashion. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.300 Infractions—Penalty.

A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a civil infraction and shall subject the violator to a civil penalty not to exceed the amount listed in the master fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council, and upon a fourth violation, a civil penalty in the amount listed in the master fee schedule plus forfeiture of the dog causing the violation. (Ord. 2013-22 § 13, 2022; Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)

6.08.310 Misdemeanors—Penalty.

Any violation of the following provisions shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by the laws of the state and Section 1.20.010:

A. It is unlawful for any person to prevent, obstruct, or hinder the impoundment of an animal, or any other enforcement duties of the animal control authority pursuant to this chapter.

B. It is unlawful for an owner or keeper to refuse to quarantine or permit the quarantine of any animal when and as required by state law and this chapter.

C. It is unlawful for the owner of any dog, cat or ferret, when notified that such dog, cat or ferret has bitten any person or has so injured any person as to cause abrasion or puncture of the skin and is subject to quarantine, to sell, kill, or give away such dog, cat or ferret to be taken beyond the city limits, except to a veterinary hospital.

D. It is unlawful for the owner of any dog, cat or ferret that has bitten any person or has so injured any person as to cause abrasion or puncture of the skin to fail to notify the animal control authority of the bite and the location of the dog, cat or ferret immediately upon knowledge of the incident.

E. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflict unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal.

In addition to any civil penalty or criminal sentence as provided by this chapter, the owner of the animal, whether the animal is licensed or not, shall be liable for actual expenses for boarding the animal, including any reasonable charges by the impounding authority, and if necessary, for the cost of its destruction. (Ord. 1980-21 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1853-16 § 1 (part), 2016: Ord. 1824-15 § 2 (part), 2015)