Chapter 6.18
PIT BULL DOGS

Sections:

6.18.010    Definitions.

6.18.020    Keeping of pit bull dogs prohibited.

6.18.025    Impounding pit bull dogs.

6.18.026    Impounding potentially dangerous pit bull dogs and pit bull dogs at large.

6.18.010 Definitions.

“Pit bull dog” means any pit bull terrier. “Pit bull terrier” means any American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog or American Staffordshire terrier breed of dog or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog or American Staffordshire terrier so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog or American Staffordshire terrier. (Ord. 2004-32 § 1, 2004: Ord. 2001-32 § 1, 2001: Ord. 98-27 § 1, 1998: Ord. 3034 § 1 (part), 1987).

6.18.020 Keeping of pit bull dogs prohibited.

A.    It is unlawful to keep, or harbor, own or in any way possess a pit bull dog within the city of Yakima. Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor. The minimum fine for a violation of this section shall be two hundred fifty dollars for the first offense and five hundred dollars for a second or subsequent offense, which fine shall not be suspended or deferred. For purposes of this section, proof of a prior violation shall not require proof that the same pit bull dog is involved. Each day of violation shall be a separate offense.

B.    This chapter shall not apply to pit bull dogs which: (1) do not reside in the city of Yakima, (2) are brought into the city for the purposes of participating in a dog show or canine sporting event for which the owner is able to show proof of entry, and (3) do not remain in the city of Yakima for a period exceeding ninety-six consecutive hours. (Ord. 2001-32 § 2, 2001: Ord. 3034 § 1 (part), 1987).

6.18.025 Impounding pit bull dogs.

A.    Whenever a pit bull dog is found within the city of Yakima, the owner shall be notified in writing of the prohibitions contained in this chapter and of the procedure required to redeem the animal. Such notice shall be served upon the owner or, if the owner is not present, upon any person of suitable age and discretion residing at owner’s residence. Whenever a pit bull dog is found within the city of Yakima, the animal may be impounded pursuant to Chapter 6.20.

B.    If the pit bull dog is not immediately impounded pursuant to Chapter 6.20, the owner must permanently remove the pit bull dog from the city of Yakima within forty-eight hours of issuance of the notice required by this section. Failure to remove a pit bull dog within forty-eight hours of such notice shall result in the immediate impoundment of the animal. Whenever any pit bull dog is found within the city of Yakima and the owner has previously had the notice required by this section, the dog shall immediately be taken up and impounded by such officer charged with the enforcement of this chapter. Pit bull dogs impounded under this subsection may be redeemed or adopted pursuant to the provisions of YMC 6.20.320. (Ord. 2007-11 § 1, 2007: Ord. 2004-32 § 2, 2004: Ord. 2001-32 § 3, 2001: Ord. 98-27 § 2, 1998).

6.18.026 Impounding potentially dangerous pit bull dogs and pit bull dogs at large.

Notwithstanding the provisions of YMC 6.18.020(B) or 6.18.025, any pit bull dog found running at large in the city of Yakima which is not in the possession or control of its owner or owner’s agent shall be immediately impounded by a Yakima animal control officer or Yakima police officer. Any pit bull dog which is a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog as those terms are defined in Chapter 6.20 of this code shall be handled according to Chapter 6.20. Such animal shall be redeemed, adopted or destroyed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6.20 of the Yakima Municipal Code. (Ord. 2007-11 § 2, 2007: Ord. 2001-32 § 5, 2001: Ord. 98-27 § 3, 1998).