Chapter 6.05
ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
Sections:
6.05.020 Animal care and control enforcement authority.
6.05.030 Incorporation by reference King County Code Title 11 Animal Care and Control Regulations.
6.05.010 Purpose.
It is declared the public policy of the city of Shoreline to secure and maintain such levels of animal care and control as will protect animal and human health and safety, and to the greatest degree practicable to prevent injury to property and cruelty to animal life. To this end, it is the purpose of this chapter to provide a means of caring for animals, licensing of dogs, cats, hobby catteries, hobby kennels, and related facilities and controlling errant animal behavior so that it shall not become a public nuisance and to prevent cruelty to animals. [Ord. 980 § 2, 2024]
6.05.020 Animal care and control enforcement authority.
The city of Shoreline has entered into an interlocal agreement with the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) to provide animal control, sheltering, and licensing services. Therefore, RASKC is designated as the agency authorized to provide animal care services and enforce animal care and control laws within the city of Shoreline. This designation does not preclude any law enforcement officer or any code enforcement officer of the city from enforcing provisions of this chapter as necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. A copy of the interlocal agreement between the city of Shoreline and King County is available for public examination in the city clerk’s office. [Ord. 980 § 2, 2024]
6.05.030 Incorporation by reference King County Code Title 11 Animal Care and Control Regulations.
A. Pursuant to RCW 35.21.180, 35A.11.020, and 35A.21.160, except as provided in this section, the city of Shoreline adopts by reference Chapter 11.01 and Chapter 11.04 of the King County Code Title 11, as it now exists or is hereafter amended by King County, as the animal care and control regulations of the city of Shoreline.
1. King County Code (KCC) Chapter 11.01, Definitions, except the following provisions of KCC Chapter 11.01 are amended as follows:
a. All references made in KCC Chapter 11.01 to the “county” shall mean the “city” unless the context expressly requires otherwise.
2. KCC Chapter 11.04, Animal Care and Control Regulations, except the following provisions of KCC 11.04 are amended as follows:
a. All references made in KCC Chapter 11.04 to the “county” shall mean the “city” unless the context expressly requires otherwise.
b. All reference made in KCC Chapter 11.04 to Title 21A of the King County Code, which established King County’s zoning provisions and limits the number of animals that may be kept in a dwelling unit without the application of certain licensing requirements, shall be replaced with reference to SMC 20.40.240.
B. If a conflict arises between the King County Code chapters adopted herein and the Shoreline Municipal Code, the Shoreline Municipal Code shall control except in relationship to fees, where those established by King County shall control.
C. Upon request, the city clerk will make a copy of Chapters 11.01 and 11.04 of King County Code Title 11 available for examination by the public. [Ord. 980 § 2, 2024]
6.05.040 Leash law.
A. It is unlawful for any person having charge, care, custody, or control of a domesticated animal, with the exception of cats or birds, to cause, permit, or allow such animal to be at large during any hours of the day or night, whether on public or private land, unless such animal is controlled by a leash, cord, or chain held or otherwise secured by the owner, custodian, or person in possession and of a length sufficient to restrain the dog from approaching any bystander or other animal, or from causing or being the cause of physical property damage. A leash of eight feet in length or smaller is presumed to be a leash of sufficient length for the purpose of this section.
B. Compliance with this section is not required if the domesticated animal is:
1. Within an area of public or private property designated as an off-leash area;
2. Upon the premises of another who has given permission for the dog to be off-leash;
3. Under control and engaged in lawful obedience training, hunting, a competition sanctioned by a nationally recognized body or a local chapter thereof, or training in preparation for such hunting or competition;
4. Contained within a vehicle under circumstances that do not amount to violation of any law or regulation limiting or prohibiting such confinement;
5. Engaged in herding of livestock;
6. Engaged in sanctioned search and rescue activities;
7. A law enforcement dog in the performance of the dog’s duty or training under the control of the training or handler;
8. A dog guide or service animal, as those terms are defined in RCW 49.60.040, in performance of the dog guide’s or service animal’s trained purpose.
C. The city’s designated enforcement authority, any law enforcement officer, or code enforcement officers for the city are authorized to enforce this section.
D. Violation. A civil penalty shall be imposed on the owner of the domesticated animal for violation of this section as follows:
1. First violation: $25.00.
2. Each additional violation within one year: $50.00. [Ord. 980 § 2, 2024]