Breed Specific Legislation In Washington State

March 13, 2008 : 2:35 PM

Some cities do have legislation in effect, but thankfully it's not a state-wide issue.

By Lin Goodman, Best Friends Network Volunteer

BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) is not very far ranging in Washington State. In fact, overall it only exists in pockets. For instance, the city of Federal Way was considering BSL to manage their dog control problems. However, at a city council meeting officials decided it would be better to increase fines and fees, while working on enforcing existing laws.

The state has one bill which has yet to be decided. H1150 prohibits municipalities from enacting breed specific, dangerous dog legislation. Bill H1150 would exempt liability as well if a dog attacks out of provocation, torment, or in defense of its guardian and their property. On January 9, 2008, the resolution was reintroduced and retained in its present status. The Rules Committee was relieved of any further consideration and the bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

On the other hand, in Pasco, WA, a breed-specific ordinance was passed which required all owners of: Pit Bulls, Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to purchase an annual $250.00 permit, as well as $250,000 worth of liability insurance. Dogs that pass the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test will be exempt.

Neighboring city Kennewick already has BSL specifically against Pit Bulls, and as of the start of this new year, Royal City, WA, has introduced and passed some BSL banning Rottweilers, and Pit Bulls. This bill was unanimously passed in December 2007.
This bill gave animal guardians time until the first of this year to find new homes for their pets. This is a Total Ban Law, allowing no dogs to be grandfathered and no dogs of these breeds will be allowed to live in Royal City.

In Richland, WA, the city dropped all BSL legislations, and at the present there is no further action proposed containing BSL.

As I write, there are no BSL bills on the Washington State House of Representatives agenda for the present or anywhere in the state’s future.

Photo by Lin Goodman, Best Friends Network Volunteer

Article posted by Brandi Bennett, Best Friends Network

Comments

April 21, 2008 at 3:45 PM
posted by: peanutgrama

Unfortunately I live in Everett, WA. where they have laws in place. I would be interested in any information on activity that might be happening in repeals.

March 26, 2008 at 1:34 PM
posted by: sudzkelly

please say it aint so!!! i haveTWO pit bulls and THEY ARE the BEST dogs ive ever had !! hands down!!

March 25, 2008 at 7:30 AM
posted by: pdmrgm123

it is not the breeds that are bad it is the people who get their hands on them that make them bad. Animals are born innocent and remain innocent until some cruel person gets to them and changes them. Just like guns there needs to be a background check on the person getting a specific breed before they are allowed to get it. Anything can be dangerous in the wrong hands

March 24, 2008 at 8:27 PM
posted by: Nadia33

It is sad to see that we have not yet reached the level of civilization to understand that, excluding one race, breed, or color will not solve the problem. Pit bulls are sweet and loving dogs, if they are put in the right hands, just like all other dogs. Promoting responsible pet ownership, spay&neuter,and educating people about being kind to animals needs to be an enforceable law.

March 24, 2008 at 7:52 PM
posted by: Cochise3163

Please do not make laws breed specic as this is so unfair. It is how you raise a dog not what breed it is,.....so educate yourselves and do the right thing. Thanks..Susan Ross Teeter

March 24, 2008 at 6:48 PM
posted by: Angeleyes

LOL Cantomagica! OSL... I agree!! Laws should be strict on the owners, not the dogs!! Picking out one or a few breeds and blaming ALL dog problems on them is horrible, cruel and unfair! Seriously though, even though it sounds funny... it's so true. I'm in favor of OSL :)

March 24, 2008 at 6:41 PM
posted by: cantomagica

BSL is BS! I think Legislators in every State should take the "Pit Bull Test" at Best Friends. I have asked many people to take this test, and rarely do they pick out the Pittie! The bottom line is, it's not the Dog, or the Breed of the dog...it's irresponsible Owners of dogs that create the problems. I think we should create OSL (Owner Specific Legislation) and put the blame where it should be, on irresponsible pet owners.

March 24, 2008 at 6:05 PM
posted by: Angeleyes

I think it's disgusting that politicians propose BSL with usual foul or ignorant motives. If only people would educate themselves regarding the issues they would learn that Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, etc are DOGS just like any other breed. BSL is just a band aid on a very deep cut of irresponsible dog ownership- and targeting a specific breed is more detrimental than helpful... far more detrimental. People need to stand up and STOP this holocaust from worsening. We cannot stand by idly.

What can we do to prevent this???

I wrote this article last year (I would love to touch it up as I've learned SOOO much more- but you'll get the idea): http://www.iheartpaws.com/articles/81/1/Man-Bites-Dog-Breed-Specific-Legislation-by-Christina-Harvey/Page1.html

March 24, 2008 at 5:18 PM
posted by: mariahspromise

YOWZER!! Really disappointing that BSL is even being considered after all the bad press other cities like Denver has received!! And there's probabaly a good reason (like common sense) that Richland dropped BSL ... It is NOT the DOGS - it's the PEOPLE that need to be regulated and controlled!!! Banning any breed is just NOT the answer!! I am from the Seattle area and always have bragged on the compassion and intelligence people have towards animals there. Having dealt with BSL in Denver - we've taken nearly 200 bully breeds and PURPORTED bully's - it's been such a traumatic experience for all!! And it's as WRONG AS WRONG CAN BE!!! It's profiling, folks, and it's ugly. Washington legislators need to re-visit the adverse effect BSL will have on their CITIZENS and figure out a better way of controlling the PEOPLE. Best Friends has developed a proposed ordinance is a GREAT place to start - has someone provided them Best Friends contact info to educate themselves?? It was questionable on many of the dogs exiled from their families because someone decided they were a bully breed or mix and it has caused so much unnecessary grief and trauma ... PLEASE get them to contact Best Friends!! Washington does NOT want to go there ...
Toni