Chapter 8.10
LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS
Sections:
8.10.040 Late payment penalty.
8.10.050 License not transferable.
8.10.060 License violation – Civil infraction.
8.10.010 Licenses required.
It is unlawful for any person to own, keep, or have control of a dog or cat over the age of eight weeks, whether confined or not, within the corporate boundaries of the city of University Place without having a current license tag attached to the collar or harness which is worn by the dog or cat. Any dog or cat which is off the premises of its owner must have a current license, regardless of its age. If any dog and/or cat which is required to be licensed is found without a current license, it may be seized and impounded by the animal control agency or the law enforcement agency of the City of University Place. Additionally, such seizure and impoundment will not preclude the issuance of a criminal complaint. Hunting dogs, during a controlled hunt, need not wear a license tag.
(Ord. 480 § 1, 2006; Ord. 356 § 2, 2002).
8.10.020 Purchase of license.
All dog or cat licenses shall be obtained by paying the required license fee as prescribed by resolution or to such other agency as the City authorizes to issue licenses and collect license fees. The license shall remain in force for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance, expiring on the last day of the twelfth month. There is no prorating of any license fee. Renewal licenses will retain the original expiration period whether renewed prior to, on or after their respective renewal month. The applicant shall be furnished with such license and a metal tag. The tag shall be attached to a collar or harness which will be worn by the dog or cat at all times. The shape of the tag shall not be the same for two consecutive years.
(Ord. 545 § 1, 2009; Ord. 480 § 1, 2006; Ord. 356 § 2, 2002).
8.10.030 Fees.
A. The license fees for the ownership, keeping, or having control of dogs and/or cats in the City of University Place shall be prescribed by resolution.
B. In order to receive the fee advantage for altered dogs and cats, an individual must provide either proof of alteration from a licensed veterinarian or a written statement from a licensed veterinarian that the spay/neuter procedure would be harmful to the animal.
C. The City will honor requests pursuant to RCW 49.60.380 upon a showing that the animal is a guide or service animal under state law.
D. In addition to any other remedy available under state law or the UPMC, the department may collect delinquent license fee charges that are delinquent for more than 60 days by assigning them to a collection agency.
(Ord. 545 § 2, 2009; Ord. 480 § 1, 2006; Ord. 356 § 2, 2002).
8.10.040 Late payment penalty.
A. Any person who fails to obtain a license within 30 days after the license expiration date but before 60 days of the expiration date shall pay a penalty per license as prescribed by resolution. Any person who fails to obtain a license within 60 days of the license expiration date shall pay a penalty per license as prescribed by resolution.
B. No late payment penalty shall be charged on new license applications if:
1. The owner submits proof of purchase or acquisition of the animal within the preceding 30 days; or
2. The owner has moved into the City within the preceding 30 days; or
3. The animal is currently, or has been within the preceding 30 days, under the age which requires a license; or
4. The owner purchases the license(s) voluntarily, prior to in-person or field contact by animal control personnel; or
5. The owner submits other proof deemed acceptable in the animal control authority’s administrative policy.
(Ord. 480 § 1, 2006; Ord. 356 § 2, 2002).
8.10.050 License not transferable.
Dog or cat licenses as provided for in this chapter shall be nontransferable. A person may not use a license for another dog or cat that he/she owns, if the dog or cat for which it was issued is no longer owned by such person. It is unlawful for any person to give, sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer a dog or cat license to another person, even if it is to be used for the same dog or cat for which it was originally issued.
(Ord. 480 § 1, 2006; Ord. 356 § 2, 2002).
8.10.060 License violation – Civil infraction.
Enforcement officers may issue a Class 3 civil infraction to any person who violates the provisions of this chapter. The civil infraction amount shall be as set forth in Pierce County Code Section 1.16.120.
(Ord. 666 § 1, 2016).