Emilie Meyer
While the state of Washington does not have a blanket ban on pit bulls, 27 cities within the state have breed-specific laws that target pit bulls. Local jurisdictions in Washington can enforce breed bans but must exempt dogs that pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen program test. Dogs that pass the test are exempt for two years and then must be retested. In the past, cities were able to ban people outright from owning pit bulls, but this is no longer the case.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State-wide pet licensing or leash law | No |
| Cities that can ban entire breeds of dogs | 27 |
| Cities that can define them as "potentially dangerous" | 27 |
| Cities that can ban people from owning pit bulls | None since 2020 |
| Cities that require licensing of pets | Tacoma |
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What You'll Learn
Washington's state laws on dog-related injuries
Washington has breed-neutral potentially dangerous and dangerous dog laws based on the behaviour of the dog. However, localities may expand upon the state law. Some have additional breed-neutral ordinances, and some have breed-specific laws in place. There are currently 27 cities in the state of Washington that have breed-specific dog laws.
The state of Washington has several laws regarding dogs and dog-related injuries. For example, it has laws on when a dog bites a person, when a dog bites another dog, and laws that compensate people when they suffer from a non-aggressive dog injury. Washington's strict liability law covers a wide range of injuries related to dog bites and attacks. These injuries are not limited to the physical wounds caused by the dog's teeth; they also encompass any other injuries that may occur as a result of the incident.
Some examples of injuries covered under Washington's strict liability law include permanent scars, broken bones, infection, and emotional trauma. Dog bite victims often experience emotional trauma and ripple effects from the injury in their daily lives. Washington's dog bite laws follow strict liability, meaning the owner of the dog is strictly liable for injuries the dog inflicts. The Revised Code of Washington, Section 16.08.040 states, "The owner of any dog which shall bite any person while such person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of such dog..."
Under Washington law, specific cities in the state can adopt ordinances that impact pit bull ownership in some way. The majority of these ordinances declare pit bulls "potentially dangerous" or "dangerous" dogs. In the past, cities were able to ban people outright from owning pit bulls. Now, municipalities can still ban these animals, but owners can avoid the restrictions if their dog can pass a behaviour test.
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Breed-neutral laws on 'potentially dangerous' dogs
Washington has breed-neutral laws on potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs, based on the behaviour of the dog. However, individual cities in Washington can adopt ordinances that impact pit bull ownership. These ordinances can declare pit bulls "potentially dangerous" or "dangerous" dogs. In the past, some cities in Washington were able to ban people outright from owning pit bulls.
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is the term for laws that regulate or ban certain dog breeds. BSL is ineffective and carries a host of unintended consequences. For example, owners of highly regulated or banned breeds may attempt to avoid detection by restricting their dogs' outdoor exercise and socialization, forgoing licensing and microchipping. There is no evidence that breed-specific laws make communities safer for people or companion animals. Breed-specific laws are also costly and difficult to enforce. Following a study of human fatalities resulting from dog bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decided to strongly oppose BSL, citing the inaccuracy of dog bite data and the difficulty in identifying dog breeds. The CDC also noted the likelihood that as certain breeds are regulated, those who exploit dogs by making them aggressive will replace them with other, unregulated breeds.
Breed-neutral laws, on the other hand, focus on the behaviour of both dog owners and dogs. They put the responsibility on negligent and reckless owners, rather than the breed of dog. The American Bar Association urges all state, territorial, and local legislative bodies and governmental agencies to adopt comprehensive breed-neutral dangerous dog/reckless owner laws that focus on the behaviour of both dog owners and dogs.
Since 2012, an increasing number of cities have been repealing breed-specific legislation and replacing it with comprehensive dog breed-neutral laws. As of 2017, 21 states have provisions prohibiting breed-specific laws and policies by municipalities.
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Breed-specific laws in Washington's localities
Washington has breed-neutral potentially dangerous and dangerous dog laws based on the behaviour of the dog. However, localities may expand upon the state law, and some have breed-specific laws in place. There are currently 27 cities in the state of Washington that have breed-specific dog laws.
Cities in Washington can adopt ordinances that impact pit bull ownership. In the past, cities were able to ban people outright from owning pit bulls, but now, owners can avoid the restrictions if their dog can pass a behavioural test, such as the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test.
House Bill 1026 prohibits cities from making breed-specific laws unless a number of conditions are met. The state of Washington has a very weak breed-specific law. The state may not meet its burden of proof that the owner should have known the dog was potentially dangerous solely by showing that the dog is of a particular breed.
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) has targeted pit bulls and other dog breeds for decades, despite evidence that it doesn't effectively prevent dog bites. Washington has strict liability laws for dog bites to both humans and other animals. A dog owner may be liable the first time their dog bites, regardless of negligence.
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The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test
In the state of Washington, there are no laws that specifically ban pit bulls. However, there are 27 cities in the state that have breed-specific dog laws, and some cities have previously banned people from owning pit bulls. While Washington has breed-neutral dangerous dog laws, certain localities have breed-specific laws in place.
The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is a 10-skill test that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners. The program is open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs of all ages. Group classes are offered at local AKC Training Clubs and Petco locations, and private support is also available through a private trainer or CGC evaluator. After completing the necessary training, dog owners can take the 10-point CGC test with an approved evaluator in their area. Passing the CGC test or an equivalent behavior test can exempt pit bull owners from breed-specific restrictions in certain cities in Washington.
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The controversy surrounding breed-specific legislation
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a highly controversial topic, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate. BSL refers to laws that regulate or ban certain dog breeds perceived to be dangerous, in an attempt to reduce dog attacks on humans and other animals. While BSL may seem like a straightforward solution, it is important to consider the complexities and potential consequences of such legislation.
One of the main controversies surrounding BSL is its effectiveness in addressing the issue of dangerous dogs. Opponents of BSL argue that it is a simplistic answer to a complex social problem. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) asserts that any dog, regardless of breed, can bite, and the likelihood of a dog bite or serious injury depends on various factors such as the dog's individual history, behaviour, size, and the vulnerability of the person bitten. BSL may give a false sense of security to communities, as it does not address the issue of irresponsible pet ownership. Dogs are more likely to become aggressive when they lack supervision, are unneutered, or are not properly socialised with people or other dogs.
The determination of a dog's breed is another contentious issue. BSL often relies on visual identification based on physical characteristics, which can be extremely difficult and unreliable. "Pit bulls," the most frequent targets of BSL, are not even a distinct breed but rather a general type that includes several breeds, such as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Even people familiar with dog breeds may struggle to accurately identify a dog's primary breed, leading to potential misclassification and discrimination against responsible dog owners.
BSL may also have unintended negative consequences. It may deter owners of banned breeds from seeking routine veterinary care, potentially leading to outbreaks of rabies or other diseases. Additionally, individuals seeking aggressive dogs may turn to unregulated breeds, and the “outlaw” status of certain breeds may attract irresponsible owners. There is no convincing data to indicate that BSL has been successful in reducing dog attacks.
In recent years, there has been a growing backlash against BSL, with more communities repealing BSL bans. Public opinion is shifting, with a majority opposing breed bans and favouring education around animal behaviour as a better alternative. Some states, like New York and Nevada, have passed restrictions prohibiting insurers from solely considering a dog's breed when determining homeowner's liability coverage. These developments reflect a recognition of the limitations and potential unfairness of breed-specific legislation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Washington does not have a state-wide ban on pit bulls. However, localities may expand upon the state law, and there are currently 27 cities in the state of Washington that have breed-specific dog laws.
Breed-specific laws are ordinances that prohibit or place restrictions on specific breeds of dogs. These bans tend to focus on dogs believed to be dangerous, such as muscular breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers.
Owners can avoid breed-specific restrictions by having their dog pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test or a reasonably equivalent canine behavioural test. Dogs that pass are exempt from restrictions for two years and then must be retested.
