It’s going to get tougher to own a vicious animal in Pierce County. The County Council agreed Tuesday to raise fees and insurance requirements for the owners of dangerous animals.
It also imposed new criminal penalties for violating some animal control regulations.
Councilman Roger Bush, R-Graham, said the new ordinance will hold owners accountable for their animals’ behavior.
“It steeply ratchets up the penalties for irresponsible conduct,” Bush said. “It’s long overdue.”
Last fall, the council asked the county auditor’s office to review animal control laws in response to high-profile dog attacks. The auditor solicited public opinion and responded with a proposed ordinance that would:
• Raise the fee for owning a dangerous animal to $500 annually. Currently it costs $250 initially and $50 for an annual renewal. A dangerous animal is defined as one that has killed or severely injured someone on public or private property or killed another animal without provocation while the attacking animal was off its owner’s property.
• Raise the fee for owning a potentially dangerous animal to $250 annually, instead of $250 initially and $50 for an annual renewal. A potentially dangerous animal is one that has bitten a person or animal or approached someone in a menacing fashion.
• Require the owners of dangerous animals to have liability insurance of at least $500,000, up from $250,000. It would impose a new $250,000 insurance requirement on the owners of potentially dangerous animals.
• Make some violations – including failing to comply with animal confinement or other restrictions – a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
• Prohibit habitual offenders from owning animals for 10 years.
• Mandate that any animal that kills someone without provocation be euthanized after appeals are exhausted.
Auditor Pat McCarthy said the ordinance is a work in progress. She said her office will return later with more recommendations, some addressing animal cruelty laws.
Though some local governments – such as Auburn and Buckley – regulate pit bulls or other specific dog breeds, Pierce County’s new ordinance does not. Instead, it seeks to target animals’ owners.
“It’s really all about holding owners responsible for their pets,” said Council Chairman Terry Lee, R-Gig Harbor.
The ordinance needs the approval of County Executive John Ladenburg, who is expected to sign it.
David Wickert: 253-274-7341
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