Chapter 8.04 ANIMAL CONTROL

Chapter 8.04
ANIMAL CONTROL Amended Ord. 2912

Sections:

8.04.010 Definitions.

8.04.020 License – Required – Fee.

8.04.030 License – Tag – Collars.

8.04.040 Late payment penalty – Renewals.

8.04.045 Failure to obtain a license.

8.04.050 Impounding.

8.04.060 Notice of impounding animal.

8.04.070 Redemption of animals.

8.04.075 Feral cats.

8.04.080 Running at large restricted.

8.04.090 Female dog or cat at large in heat.

8.04.100 Confinement of a potentially dangerous dog.

8.04.110 Costs of maintaining dog or cat in veterinary hospital.

8.04.120 Rabies test for dead dog.

8.04.130 Mandatory spay/neuter and microchipping for impounded dogs and cats – Deposit – Refund – Exception.

8.04.140 Duties upon injury or death to an animal.

8.04.150 Injuring or killing dogs or cats.

8.04.160 Dogs on a leash.

8.04.170 Handling of an animal bitten by rabid animal.

8.04.180 Abandonment of animals.

8.04.190 Kennel license.

8.04.200 Violation – Punishment.

8.04.010 Definitions.

As used in this title, unless the context otherwise indicates:

(1) “Animal” shall mean a living creature except persons, insects and worms.

(2) “Animal control” shall mean the animal control program operated jointly by the city of Puyallup and the city of Sumner to enforce their animal control provisions.

(3) “Animal control authority” shall mean a person or entity authorized by statute or contract to enforce the animal control laws of the city.

(4) “Animal control officer” shall mean:

(a) Any individual employed, contracted with or appointed by the animal control authority for the purpose of aiding in the enforcement of this chapter or any other law relating to the licensure, control or seizure and impoundment of animals;

(b) Any state or local law enforcement officer; or

(5) “Approved confinement device” shall mean a pen or structure that has secure sides and a secure top. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, then the sides must be embedded in the ground no less than one foot.

(6) “At large” shall mean off the premises of the owner or keeper of the dog, cat or animal, and not under restraint by leash or chain or not otherwise controlled by a competent person.

(7) “Cat” shall mean and include female, spayed female, male and neutered male cats.

(8) “Director” shall mean the chief of the Puyallup police department.

(9) “Dog” shall mean and include female, spayed female, male and neutered male dogs.

(10) “Exotic animals” shall mean any of the following:

(a) Venomous and constricting species of snakes capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to human beings;

(b) Non-human primates and prosimians;

(d) Non-domesticated species of felines;

(e) Non-domesticated species of canines and their hybrids, including wolf and coyote hybrids;

(f) The order crocodylia, including alligators, crocodiles, caiman and gavials.

(11) “Kennel” includes those places where three or more dogs or cats are kept for breeding and the pups or kittens are sold for profit, or where dogs and/or cats are received for care or boarding.

(12) “Owner” shall mean any person, firm, or corporation owning, having an interest in, or having control or custody or possession of any dog, cat, or animal. (Ord. 2647 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2390 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1198 § 1, 1953).

8.04.020 License – Required – Fee.

All dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older which are harbored, kept or maintained in the city shall be licensed by the city annually on a schedule established by the animal control shelter. The fee for each animal license shall be as set forth in the following schedule of fees. No proration of a license fee for a portion of the year shall be made.

Animal Control Fees

(1) Juvenile Dogs: eight weeks
through six months $2.00

(2) Adult Dogs: seven months or older

altered $7.00

unaltered $50.00

(3) Juvenile Cats: eight weeks
through six months $2.00

(4) Adult Cats: seven months or older

altered $4.00

unaltered $50.00

(5) Reduced rates for senior citizen, 65 years of age or older:

Dogs altered $4.00

unaltered $28.00

Cats altered $2.00

unaltered $28.00

(a) Dogs and cats are exempt from the above licensing provisions when they are in the custody of a recognized animal rescue group. In order to qualify as a recognized group, proof of registration with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to IRC 501(c)(3) must be submitted to the Puyallup/Sumner animal shelter by the group.

(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.

(6) Board:

Cats $4.00/day

Dogs/other animals $5.00/day

(7) Impound Fees:

Dogs/other animals $25.00

Cats $15.00

(8) Adoption Fees: $75.00, includes an animal license, spaying/neutering of the animal and a microchip.

(9) Kennel Fees: See PMC 8.04.190.

(10) Replacement Tag Fee $2.00

(11) Microchip. The city of Puyallup has determined that the best method of identification of animals under current technology is the microchip. Microchipping can be performed by veterinarians. If an animal owner residing inside the Puyallup city limits shows proof that their animal has been microchipped, the owner can receive a one-time credit of up to $10.00 on an animal license. Proof of microchipping on the animal to be licensed is required at the time of licensing.

(12) Checks. Any person who issues a check for which funds are insufficient (NSF) will be assessed a fee of $20.00. In addition, any license(s) or penalties paid with such checks will be invalid. Additional costs incurred by the city in collecting NSF checks shall be considered a cost of abatement and will be the personal obligation of the animal owner and will be subject to civil litigation. (Ord. 2647 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2202 § 1, 1989; Ord. 2100 § 1, 1986; Ord. 1634 § 1, 1974; Ord. 1198 § 2, 1953).

8.04.030 License – Tag – Collars.

(1) Upon the payment of the license fee, the city shall furnish to the person paying the same a license receipt and tag for the dog or cat for which such fee has been paid. The shape of such tag may be changed each year. Every dog or cat kept within the city limits shall be provided by its owner with a collar or harness made of leather, metal or other substantial material which shall be worn by such dog or cat at all times when off the premises of the licensed owner and to which the license tag provided shall be securely fastened.

(2) It is unlawful for any person other than the owner, his agent or a member of the Puyallup police department or designee to remove a license tag from a dog or cat.

(3) The city shall keep a complete registry of all licensed animals, describing the same by name, breed, color, age and sex. They shall also enter the name and address of the owner as given and the number of the city license tag, if applicable.

(4) Any dog or cat for which the license fee for the current licensing period has been paid, which is impounded during the licensing period for being at large without a collar and tag, may be redeemed by the owner upon proof to animal control that such dog or cat was so licensed, and that a collar was put around its neck with a license tag attached thereto as provided in this chapter, upon payment to the city of an impound fee and boarding fee as set forth in PMC 8.04.020. Any owner of a licensed dog or cat, whose license has been lost, may secure a replacement tag by payment of a fee of as set forth in PMC 8.04.020. (Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2100 § 2, 1986; Ord. 1198 § 3, 1953).

8.04.040 Late payment penalty – Renewals.

Any person who fails to obtain a license within 15 days of the date the renewal was required shall be charged a penalty fee in the sum of $10.00. (Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995).

8.04.045 Failure to obtain a license.

(1) A $10.00 late payment penalty will be assessed in circumstances where there was a failure to obtain a license. This fee shall not be charged on new license applications if:

(a) The owner submits proof of purchase or acquisition of the animal within the preceding 30 days; or

(b) The owner has moved into the city within the preceding 30 days; or

(d) The owner purchases the license(s) voluntarily prior to in-person or field contact by animal control personnel; or

(e) The owner submits other proof deemed acceptable in the animal control authority’s administrative policy. (Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999).

8.04.050 Impounding.

All animals which require licenses found at large may be detained and impounded by the animal control officer. The owner or keeper shall be charged an impound fee and board as set forth in PMC 8.04.020 for the release of such animal. Any animal impounded for a second time within any 12-month period shall pay two times the impound fee. Any animal impounded three times within any 12-month period shall pay three times the impound fee. Any additional impounds shall pay four times the impound fee regardless of the time period. (Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2100 § 3, 1986; Ord. 1634 § 2, 1974; Ord. 1198 § 4, 1953. Formerly 8.04.040).

8.04.060 Notice of impounding animal.

Upon the impounding of any dog, cat or other animal under the provisions of this chapter the animal control agency shall immediately notify the owner, if the owner is known, of the impounding of such dog, cat, or other animal, and of the terms upon which said animal can be redeemed. If the owner of said dog, cat, or other animal so impounded is unknown, then said animal control agency shall make a reasonable effort to locate and notify the owner of the impounding of said dog, cat, or other animal. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 5, 1953. Formerly 8.04.050).

8.04.070 Redemption of animals.

The owner of any animal impounded under the provisions of this chapter may redeem it within 72 hours from the time of impounding, upon payment of the fees and costs set forth in PMC 8.04.020. Any such animal not redeemed within 72 hours after being impounded may be humanely destroyed or adopted at the discretion of the impounding authority; provided, however, any animal so impounded less than two months of age may be humanely destroyed or adopted of at any time after impounding. (Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2100 § 4, 1986; Ord. 1198 § 6, 1953. Formerly 8.04.060).

8.04.075 Feral cats.

Feral cats can spread disease in the animal shelter. As a result, any cats impounded that are determined by the animal control officer to be feral will be separated from the other animals in the shelter and will be humanely destroyed as soon as possible. (Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999).

8.04.080 Running at large restricted.

No owner of any dog shall permit such dog to run at large at any place within the city or contrary to any of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 8(A), 1953. Formerly 8.04.070).

8.04.090 Female dog or cat at large in heat.

Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such a manner that such female dog or cat cannot come into contact with a male of the species, except for planned breeding. Any such animal not so confined when in heat, whether or not such animal is licensed, is declared to be a nuisance and shall be immediately seized and impounded. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 8(B), 1953. Formerly 8.04.090).

8.04.100 Confinement of a potentially dangerous dog.

It is unlawful for the owner of any dog, when notified that such dog has bitten any person or has so injured any person as to cause an abrasion of the skin, to sell or give away such dog or to permit or allow such dog to be taken beyond the limits of the city except to a veterinary hospital, but it shall be the duty of such owner upon receiving notice of the character of aforesaid to immediately confine such dog for a period of at least 10 days or to deliver such dog to the animal control shelter for placement. Any animal control officer receiving such dog shall forthwith convey such dog to the designated area where such dog shall be securely chained or confined for a period of at least 10 days. In case such dog is delivered to a veterinary hospital, notice of the name and location of such hospital shall be immediately furnished to the animal control officer by the owner of such dog, and upon receipt of such dog the veterinary hospital shall submit to the animal control officer a certificate stating that such dog shows either no symptoms of rabies or does show symptoms of rabies. At the expiration of 10 days of confinement and upon release of such dog, the veterinary hospital shall submit to the animal control officer a second certificate stating that the dog does not have rabies and has been released. (Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 8(C), 1953).

8.04.110 Costs of maintaining dog or cat in veterinary hospital.

All costs of maintaining any dog or cat in a veterinary hospital shall be paid by the owner. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 8(E), 1953. Formerly 8.04.120).

8.04.120 Rabies test for dead dog.

In all cases where any dog which has bitten a person or caused an abrasion of the skin is slain by a police officer or designee, whether by order of court or otherwise, and a period of less than 10 days has elapsed since the day on which such dog bit any person or caused any abrasion of the skin of any person, it shall be the duty of the animal control to forthwith deliver intact the brain of such dog to the laboratory of the State Department of Health. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 8(F), 1953. Formerly 8.04.130).

8.04.130 Mandatory spay/neuter and microchipping for impounded dogs and cats – Deposit – Refund – Exception.

(1) No unaltered dog or cat that is impounded more than once in any 12-month period may be redeemed by any person until the sum of $50.00 is paid to the animal control authority as a refundable deposit. This deposit shall be held by the animal shelter to ensure that the spay/neuter and microchip procedures are performed.

(2) Refund. The deposit shall be refunded upon a showing of proof of alteration and microchipping from a licensed veterinarian. If there is no proof of alteration or microchipping, the animal control shelter will retain the deposit.

(3) Exception. The deposit shall not be required if the owner or other person redeeming the animal provides a written statement from a licensed veterinarian that the spay, neuter or microchip installation procedure would be harmful to the animal. (Ord. 2647 § 2, 2000; Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995).

8.04.140 Duties upon injury or death to an animal.

The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to a dog, cat or other animal shall immediately stop the vehicle at or as near to the scene of the accident as possible, and return thereto, and shall give to the owner or other competent person having custody of the animal the name and address of the operator of the vehicle and the license number of the vehicle involved in the accident. If the owner or other competent person is not the person at the scene of the accident, the operator shall take reasonable steps to locate the owner or custodian of the said animal and shall supply the information hereinabove required. If the animal is injured to the extent that it requires immediate medical attention and there is no owner or custodian present to look after it, the operator of said vehicle shall immediately report the situation to the Puyallup police department. (Ord. 2631 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995).

8.04.150 Injuring or killing dogs or cats.

No person shall willfully injure, beat, abuse, or run down with a vehicle any dog or cat. Any person who kills or injures a dog or cat while driving a vehicle shall stop at the scene of the accident and shall render such assistance as practical, shall make a reasonable effort to locate and identify himself to the owner or any person having custody of the dog or cat and shall report the accident immediately to the police department. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 9, 1953).

8.04.160 Dogs on a leash.

(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be held to require the leashing of any dog while on the private premises of anyone consenting to have the dog on his premises unleashed. No dog shall be permitted, except on a leash, to use or be on any public street, sidewalk, parkway or public place within the city limits.

(2) No dog shall be permitted, to be or enter upon any, food and drink handling establishment during the time that said place is open for public business.

(3) No dog shall be permitted to go or be upon any school premises or grounds at any time during school hours.

(4) No leash shall be greater than eight feet in length.

(5) The provisions of this section shall not apply to dogs leading blind persons, hearing impaired or certified as assist dogs. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 10, 1953).

8.04.170 Handling of an animal bitten by rabid animal.

When an animal is known to have been bitten by a rabid animal, the following procedures shall be followed:

(1) Unvaccinated Animal. An unvaccinated animal shall be immediately destroyed; provided, that upon the election of the owner, the animal may be kept, at its owner’s expense, in strict isolation in a kennel under veterinary supervision for a minimum period of six months following the bite.

(2) Vaccinated Animal. A vaccinated animal shall be handled as follows:

(a) The animal shall be immediately revaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine and confined under the supervision of a veterinarian for a period of 30 days following revaccinated; or

(b) If the animal is not immediately revaccinated, it shall be confined in strict isolation in a kennel for six months under the supervision of a veterinarian; or

(c) The animal shall be destroyed if the owner or custodian does not comply with subsections (2)(a) or (2)(b) above. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995).

8.04.180 Abandonment of animals.

It is unlawful for any person to abandon any animal within the city limits. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 13, 1953. Formerly 8.04.190).

8.04.190 Kennel license.

The annual license fee for kennels shall be $25.00 for those kennels maintaining accommodations for 10 dogs and/or cats or fewer; for more than 10 dogs and/or cats, $50.00. All such licenses are subject to all conditions and provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 14, 1953. Formerly 8.04.200).

8.04.200 Violation – Punishment.

Any violation of the provisions of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be punishable as a civil infraction with a maximum penalty of $250.00. (Ord. 2463 § 1, 1995).