HomeMy WebLinkAbout101-98 - Ord. Repealing Ord. 39-90 County Code Chapter 4.04 Dangerous Dogs Adding Chapter 4.08 ORDINANCE NO. 101 -
MASON COUNTY ANIMAL ORDINANCE
An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 39-90, Chapter 4.04 of the Mason County Code,
Dangerous Dogs
And Amending Ordinance No. 84-98, Mason County Animal Ordinance, and adding Chapter 4.08
to the Mason County Code
WHEREAS, the Board of Mason County Commissioners adopted an ordinance relating to
dangerous dogs on September 15, 1987;
WHEREAS, the citizens of Mason County requested the Board amend the Dangerous Dog
Ordinance to include other concerns pertaining to animals;
WHEREAS, a citizens committee was formed and met for a number of years to create a new
animal ordinance;
WHEREAS, the Board of Mason County Commissioners held a public hearing on May 26, 1998
in the Commission Chambers to receive public testimony, the hearing was continued to June 30,
1998 to receive additional testimony and the hearing was then closed;
WHEREAS, the Board of Mason County Commissioners did adopt the Mason County Animal
Ordinance No. 84-98 on July 28, 1998 and it has been determined that language changes are
necessary that do not change the intent of the Ordinance as adopted"on July 28, 1998. It has
also been determined an amendment to the Mason County Noise Ordinance No. 54-89 (Mason
County Code Section 9.36.120) is necessary, by a separate Ordinance, to remove the exemption
for commericial and pet kennels;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it hereby resolved to add Chapter 4.08, Mason County Animal
Ordinance, to the Mason County Code to read as follows:
Sections
001. Title
002. Definitions
003. Public Nuisance--Owner Responsibility
004. Public Nuisance--Exceptions
005. Potentially Dangerous Dogs
006. Dangerous Dogs
007. Penalties and transfer of ownership -- Potentially and Dangerous Dogs
008. Rabies and Disease Control
009. Rabies Control--Quarantine and Disposal
010. Habitual Violator
011. Enforcement
012. Impoundment
013. Impoundment Register
014. Notice of Violation--Penalties
015. Legal or equitable relief
016. Redemption
017. Immunity
018. Severability
Section 001: Title
This chapter may be cited as the Mason County Animal code, to be codified
as Chapter 4.08
Section 002: Definitions
For the purpose of this chapter, the words and phrases shall be defined as follows:
A. "Abandon" means the act of knowingly leaving an animal;
1. Without food, water, or care for twenty-four hours or more.
2. In a situation where conditions present an immediate,
direct, and serious threat to life, safety or health of the
animal.
B. "Abatement" means the termination of any violation by reasonable
and lawful means determined by the animal control authority in
order that.an owner or a person presumed to be the owner shall
comply with this ordinance.
C. "Animal" means any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian.
D. "Animal Control Authority" means Mason County, Mason County's
designee, acting alone or in concert with other local government
units for enforcement of the animal control laws of Mason County
or the State of Washington.
E. "Animal Control Officer" means any individual employed,
contracted with, or appointed by the Animal Control Authority for
the purpose of aiding in the enforcement of this chapter or
another law or ordinance relating to the licenser of animals, or
seizure or impoundment of animals, and included any state or
local law enforcement officer or other employee whose duties
in whole or part include assignments that cover the seizure and
impoundment of any animal.
F. "Animal Shelter' means a facility which is used to house or contain
stray, homeless, impounded, abandoned or unwanted animals, and which is
owned, operated or maintained by a public body, an established
humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention
of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to
the welfare, protection and humane treatment of animals.
G. "At Large" means an animal off or outside the premises belonging
to its owner or keeper and not in the company of and under direct
control of its owner or keeper.
H. "Dangerous Dog" means any dog that according to the records of
the appropriate authority:
(1) Has inflicted severe-injury upon a human being
without provocation; or
(2) Has killed a domestic animal without provocation
while off the owner's property; or
(3) Has been previously found to be potentially
dangerous, the owner having received notice of
such and the dog again aggressively bites, attacks,
or endangers the safety of humans or domestic
animals; provided, however that dogs shall not be
declared dangerous if the threat, injury, or damage
was sustained by a person who, at the time,was
committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the
premises occupied by the owner of the dog or has,
in the past, been observed or reported to have
tormented, abused, or assaulted the dog or was committing or
attempting to commit a crime.
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I. "Domestic Animal" means any animal kept for amusement,
companionship, or for household, farm and/or agricultural
purposes.
J. "Livestock" means horses, sheep, cattle, mules, burros, goats, llamas,
domesticated hares, rabbits, swine and poultry and any other hybrids' of animals
being raised for it's agricultural purposes..
K. "Owner' means any person, firm, corporation, organization
possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having
control or custody of an animal.
L. "Person" means any individual, firm, association,
partnership, political subdivision, government agency, public or
private corporation, or any other entity.
M. "Potentially dangerous dog" means any dog that when
unprovoked
(1) Inflicts bites on a human or a domestic animal
either on public or private property; or
(2) Chases or approaches a person while off the owner's property in
a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, or
(3) any dog with a known propensity, tendency or
disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury, or
otherwise threaten the safety of humans or domestic
animals.
N. "Poultry" means all domesticated fowl and all game birds which are
legally held in captivity.
O. "Proper enclosure of a dangerous dog" means while on the
owner's property, a dangerous dog shall be securely confined
indoors or in a securely enclosed or locked pen or structure,
suitable to prevent the animal from escaping. Such pen or
structure shall have secure sides and a secure top, and shall
also provide protection from the elements for the dog.
P. "Property means anything of value,whether tangible or
intangible, real or personal.
Q. "Severe Injury" means any physical injury that results in broken
bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or
cosmetic surgery.
R. "Stray" means any animal impounded or in the custody of the
Animal Control Authority, it's employees or agents which may or
may not have an identifiable owner.
S. "Trespass" means the unlawful entrance upon the property of any
person by any animal or other person without the authorization
of the lawful occupant.
Section 003. Public Nuisance--Owner Responsibility
It shall be a public nuisance, and therefore unlawful, for any person to
permit their animal(s)to:
A. Damage or destroy the property of another person; or
B. Cause injury to a person or domestic animal: or
C. Chase, run after,jump at or upon any pedestrian or other domestic
animal while off the owner's property; or
D. Chase, run after,jump at or upon any vehicle or person on a
bicycle lawfully on any public sidewalk, roadway, trail or path; or
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E. Willfully or negligently allow livestock to run at large off the
property of the owner; or
F. Annoy or disturb a neighborhood or the quiet and repose of one
or more persons by habitually howling, barking, yelping or other
prolonged sounds as determined by an enforcement officer; or
Section 004. Public Nuisance--Exceptions
The provisions of this chapter relating to public nuisance do not apply if
an animal;
A. Causes injury to a person who, at the time, was committing a
willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the
owner of the dog or has been observed to have tormented,
abused, or assaulted the dog or was committing or attempting to
commit a crime.
B. Is emitting reasonable animal noises, as determined by
an enforcement officer.
Section 005. Potentially Dangerous Dogs
A. The animal control authority may find and declare an animal
potentially dangerous if it has probable cause to believe that the
animal falls within the definition set forth in Section 002(M). The
finding must be based upon:
(1) The written complaint of a citizen who is willing to testify
that the animal has acted in a manner which causes it to
fall within the definition of potentially dangerous dog; or
(2) Dog bite reports filed with the animal control authority as
required by this chapter or state law; or
(3) Actions of the dog witnessed by any animal control officer
or law enforcement officer; or
(4) Other substantial evidence admissible in court.
B. The declaration of potentially dangerous dog shall be in writing,
shall be served on the owner in one of the following methods.
(1) Certified mail to the owner or keeper's last known address,
if known; or
(2) Personally or to other person of suitable age residing at
the owner's residence; or
(3) Posting of the notice at the owner or keeper's last known
address; or
C. The declaration shall state at least:
(1) A description of the animal
(2) The name and address of the owner or keeper of the
animal, if known;
(3) The whereabouts of the animal if it is not in the custody of
the owner;
(4) The facts upon which the declaration of potentially
dangerous dog is based.
(5) The availability of a hearing in case the person objects to
the declaration, if a request is made within five calendar
days.
(6) The restrictions placed on the animal as a result of the
declaration of potentially dangerous dogs;
(7) The penalties for violation of the restrictions, including the
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possibility of destruction of the animal, and imprisonment
or fining of the owner.
D. If the owner of animal wishes to object to the declaration of
potentially dangerous dog:
(1) The owner may,within five days of receipt of the declaration
request a hearing before the district court by submitting a
written request to the clerk of the court.
(2) If the court finds that there is insufficient evidence to support
the declaration, it shall be rescinded and the restrictions
imposed thereby annulled;
(3) If the court finds sufficient evidence to support the
declaration it may impose court costs on the appellant, and
may impose additional restrictions on the animal or owner.
(4) In the event the court finds that the animal is not a
potentially dangerous dog, no court costs shall be assessed
against the county or the animal control authority or officer.
E. Following service of a declaration of potentially dangerous dog the animal
control authority may if circumstances require impound the animal at the
owner's expense, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, until a court orders
either its redemption or destruction.
F. The animal control authority (County Sheriff)shall issue a potentially dangerous
dog license to the owner of a potentially dangerous dog if the owner presents to
the animal control authority sufficient evidence of:
(1) Proper confinement for the potentially dangerous dog.
(2) A micro-chip identification tag placed into the animal by
a licensed veterinarian.
(3) A current photograph of the animal.
G. The license fee for each potentially dangerous dog to be
licensed under this section is fifty dollars. The annual renewal fee for each
potentially dangerous dog licensed under this section is twenty five dollars and
shall be due no later than January 31 st of each year. All owners of potentially
dangerous dogs shall purchase a potentially dangerous dog license from the
animal control authority within five days of receipt of the declaration of
potentially dangerous dog (if no proper appeal has been filed).
H. The County Sheriff shall be responsible for the declaration of potentially
dangerous dogs, and the licensing of potentially dangerous dogs under this
section.
Section 006. Dangerous Dogs
A. The animal control authority may find and declare an animal
dangerous if it has probable cause to believe that the
animal falls within the definition as previously set forth. The
finding must be based upon:
(1) The written complaint of a citizen who is willing to testify
that the animal has acted in a manner which causes it to
fall within the definition of dangerous dog.
(2) Dog bite reports filed with the animal control authority as
required by this chapter or state law; or
(3) Actions of the dog witnessed by any animal control officer
or law enforcement officer; or
(4) Other substantial evidence admissible in court.
B. The declaration of dangerous dog shall be in writing,
shall be served on the owner in one of the following methods.
(1) Certified mail to the owner or keeper's last known address,
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if known; or
(2) Personally or to other person of suitable age residing at
owner's residence.
(3) Posting of the notice at the owner or keeper's last known
address.
C. The declaration shall state at least:
(1) A description of the animal
(2) The name and address of the owner or keeper of the
animal, if known;
(3) The whereabouts of the animal if it is not in the custody of
the owner;
(4) The facts upon which the declaration of
dangerous dog is based.
(5) The availability of a hearing in case the person objects to
the declaration, if a request is made within five calendar
days.
(6) The restrictions placed on the animal as a result of the
declaration of dangerous dog;
(7) The penalties for violation of the restrictions, including the
possibility of destruction of the animal, and imprisonment
or fining of the owner.
D. If the owner of animal wishes to object to the declaration of
dangerous dog:
(1) The owner may,within five days of receipt of the declaration
request a hearing before the district court by submitting a
written request to the clerk of the court.
(2) If the court finds that there is insufficient evidence to support
the declaration, it shall be rescinded and the restrictions
imposed thereby annulled;
(3) If the court find sufficient evidence to support the declaration
it may impose court costs on the appellant, and may
impose additional restrictions on the animal or owner.
(4) In the event the court finds that the animal is not a
dangerous dog, no court costs shall be assessed
against the county or the animal control authority or officer.
E. Following service of a declaration of dangerous dog
the animal control authority may if circumstances require impound
the animal at the owner's expense, pursuant to the provisions of
this chapter, until a court orders either its redemption or
destruction.
F. The animal control authority shall issue a dangerous dog license
to the owner of a dangerous dog if the owner presents to the
animal control authority sufficient evidence of:
(1) A proper enclosure to confine a dangerous dog and the
posting of the premises with clearly visible signs that there
is a dangerous dog on the property. In addition, the owner
shall conspicuously display a sign with a warning symbol
that informs children of the presence of a dangerous dog.
(2) A surety bond issued by a surety insurer qualified under
RCW Chapter 48.28 in a form acceptable to the animal
control authority in the sum of at least fifty thousand
dollars, payable to any person injured by the dangerous
dog; or
(3) A policy of liability insurance, such as homeowner's
insurance, issued by an insurer qualified under RCW
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Title 48 in the amount of at least fifty thousand dollars,
insuring the owner for any personal injuries inflicted by
the dangerous dog.
(4) A micro-chip identification tag placed into the animal by
a licensed veterinarian.
(5) A current photograph of the animal.
G. The license fee for each dangerous dog to be licensed under this section is one
hundred dollars. The annual renewal fee for each dangerous dog licensed under
this section is fifty dollars and shall be due no later than January 31 st of each
year. All owners of dangerous dogs shall purchase a dangerous dog license
from the animal control authority within five days of receipt of the declaration of
dangerous dog (if no proper appeal has been filed).
H. The County Sheriff shall be responsible for the declaration of dangerous dogs,
and the licensing of dangerous dogs under this section.
Section 007. Penalties and transfer of ownership -- potentially and dangerous dogs.
A. It is unlawful for an owner of a potentially dangerous dog to
permit the dog to be at large at anytime.
B. Any owner of a potentially dangerous dog who fails to obtain
a license or renewal for such dog as described in Section 005 in
addition to criminal sanctions shall be assessed a civil penalty
in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars and the animal shall be
immediately confiscated by the animal control authority.
No such civil penalty shall be assessed until five days have
elapsed from the date such owner is notified by the animal
control authority that such license or renewal for such potentially
dangerous dog is required, or until any appeal brought under
that section has been complete,whichever is later.
C. Any owner of a dangerous dog who fails to obtain a license or
renewal for such dog as described in Section 006 in addition
to criminal sanctions shall be assessed a civil penalty in the
amount of five hundred dollars and the animal shall be
immediately confiscated No such civil penalty shall be assessed
until five days have elapsed from the date such owner is notified by the animal
control authority that such a license or renewal for such dangerous dog is
required, or until any appeal brought under that section has been complete,
whichever is later.
D. Any potentially dangerous or dangerous dog for which a license
or renewal has not been obtained by its owner pursuant to
sections 005 and 006 is subject to being impounded by the
animal control authority. The owner of any potentially dangerous
or dangerous dog so impounded shall be subject to a civil
penalty in the amount of ten dollars per day for each day such
dog remains impounded with the animal control authority. Any
potentially dangerous or dangerous dog impounded due to the
failure of the owner of such dog to obtain the required license or
renewal and which remains impounded for a period of at least ten
days due to the failure of the owner to obtain such license or
renewal may be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner
by the animal control authority and the owner shall be assessed
an additional civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars for the cost
of destroying the animal. A civil penalty in the amount of ten
dollars per day shall be assessed against the owner of each
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potentially dangerous or dangerous dog impounded by the
animal control authority under this section.
E. It is unlawful for the owner of a dangerous dog to permit the
dog to be outside the proper enclosure unless the dog is
muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under
the physical restraint of a responsible person. The muzzle shall
be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or
interfere with its vision or respiration but shall prevent it from
biting any person or animal. Any owner who violates this
provision in addition to criminal sanctions shall be assessed a civil
penalty of two hundred fifty dollars for each violation thereof.
F. Any dangerous dog shall be immediately confiscated by an
animal control authority if the:
(1) Dog is not validly licensed; or
(2) Owner does not secure the liability insurance; or
(3) Dog is not maintained in a proper enclosure; or
(4) Dog is outside of the dwelling of the owner, or outside of
the proper enclosure and not muzzled and under
restraint of the responsible person.
In addition, the owner shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor
punishable in accordance with RCW 9A.20.021. The owner of
any dog confiscated under this subsection may recover such dog
from the animal control authority upon the payment of a civil fine
which shall be in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars plus ten
dollars per day for each day said dog has been in control of the
animal control authority; provided however, that in the event the
owner has not picked up the dangerous dog within ten days of
being notified by the animal control authority that such dog is
under the control of such authority, the dog shall be destroyed
in an expeditious and humane manner and the owner shall be
assessed an additional civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars
for the cost of destroying such dangerous dog.
G. If a dangerous dog of an owner with prior convictions under this
chapter attacks or bites a person or another domestic animal,
the dog's owner is guilty of a class C felony, punishable in
accordance with RCW 9A.20.021. In addition, the dangerous dog
shall be immediately confiscated by the animal control authority,
placed in quarantine for the proper length of time, and thereafter
destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. The owner of
any dangerous dog confiscated and destroyed pursuant to this
subsection shall be assessed a civil penalty in the amount of
ten dollars per day for each day such dangerous dog is
quarantined with the animal control authority and in an amount of
fifty dollars for the cost of destroying such dangerous„us dog.
H. Owners of potentially and dangerous dogs who sell or otherwise
transfer the ownership, custody, or residence of the dog shall
within (10) days inform the Mason County Sheriff's Office, in
writing, the name, address, and telephone number of the new
owner and the name and description of the dog. The owner
shall, in addition, notify the new owner in writing the details of the
dog's record, terms and conditions of the maintenance and
provide the Mason County Sheriff's Office with a copy thereof
containing an acknowledgment by the owner of his/her receipt
of the original
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Section 008. Rabies and Disease Control
The Mason County Health District Officer, or his/her designee, shall have
the responsibility for administering the rules and regulations of the
Washington State Board of Health relating to rabies and disease control
in Mason County.
Section 009. Rabies Control--Quarantine and Disposal
A. Any animal which bites a person and that bite breaks the skin
shall be quarantined for 10 days as may be ordered by the
Animal Control Authority or the Mason County Health District
Officer. During quarantine, the animal shall be securely
confined and kept from contact with any other animal or person
except for the primary caretaker of the animal. The
quarantine may be permitted on the premises of the owner if the
owner can show proper quarantine confinement to the animal
Control Authority. If the Animal Control Authority requires other
confinement, the owner shall surrender the animal for the
quarantine period to an animal shelter or veterinary hospital at
the expense of the owner.
B. No enforcement officer or any other person shall knowingly,
except in the reasonable effort to protect himself or others, kill,
or cause to be killed, any animal suspected of being rabid;
provided if a veterinarian, after a thourough diagnoses, determines possible
rabies in any animal in quarantine, the animal shall be humanely killed and the
head of the animal sent to the state laboratory for pathological
examination and confirmation of the diagnosis.
Section 010. Habitual Violator
A. In addition to any legal remedy available under the provisions of
this chapter, the Animal Control Authority will notify and direct in
writing the owner of any animal which is guilty of three notices of violation,
pursuant to Section 003 of this ordinance, in any 12 month period to abate and r
remove said animal from the county within 72 hours from the date
of said notice, or in the alternative to abate and transfer ownership and
possession of the animal to another person not living at
the same place of residence. Such notice to abate shall state the method
of appealing the order except that any appeal must be filed before
the closure of the Animal Control Authority's office on the second
business day following service of the notice.
B. The owner of any animal that has been served with an order of
abatement, pursuant to section 010(A) may appeal such order by
requesting a hearing before the district court by submitting a
written request to the clerk of the court. Any appeal must be filed
before the closure of the Animal Control Authority's office on the
second business day following service of the notice.
C. If said owner of animal is found in violation of the abatement
notice after 72 hours have elapsed from the date of notice and no
timely appeal is filed, said animal shall be impounded and
removed by the Animal Control Authority, subject to all impound
procedures; provided however, the animal may not be returned
to the same residence or property from which it was impounded
or resided.
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Section 011. Enforcement
A. The Animal Control Authority is hereby authorized to take such
lawful action as may be required to enforce the provision of
this ordinance and the laws of the state of Washington pertaining
to animal cruelty, shelter,welfare and control and
as amended. Such action may include, but not be limited to the
issuance of warning notices or citations to owners of animals
found to be a public nuisance and/or apprehension and
impoundment of animals.
B. The Animal Control Authority while pursuing any animal
observed to be in violation of this chapter may enter upon any
public or private property, except any private building, for the
purpose of abating the animal violation being pursued. Entry
into a building designated for and used for private purposes may
be accomplished upon the issuance of a proper search or
arrest warrant by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 012. Impoundment
A. The Animal Control Authority may apprehend any animal found
doing or involved in acts defined as a public nuisance and/or
being subjected to cruel treatment as defined by law. If it is not
reasonably possible to return the animal to its owner, the Animal
Control Authority shall notify the owner of the animal within a
reasonable time by telephone, mail, direct personal contact or
posting at the residence of the owner that the animal has been
impounded and if appropriate may be redeemed at the designated
animal shelter. Any animal impounded pursuant to this Title shall
be held for the owner for at least two business days commencing
with apprehension. Any animal not redeemed by its owner during
the prescribed period, or which is suffering from a serious injury
or disease as determined by a licensed veterinarian, may be
humanely destroyed at the expense of the owner.
B. Animals that are removed from the possession of a person in the
custody of a law enforcement officer shall be held for the period
described in this section. An impoundment receipt shall be
delivered to the person in custody from whom the animal was
taken.
C. An impoundment receipt shall cite redemption requirements and
shall serve as the notice to the owner required herein. The above
return and notification requirements shall not apply to any animal
that is deemed abandoned under the provisions of Chapter 16.54
RCW, or as defined in this ordinance.
D. Any potentially or dangerous dog may be impounded at the expense of the
owner pending proper appeals.
Section 013. Impoundment Register
The impounding authority shall maintain a register of all animals
impounded pursuant to this chapter, and such register shall show the
species and breed of the animal, a description of the animal by coloring
and marking, the time and date of impoundment, the name of Animal
Control Officer impounding the animal, the area in which the animal
was picked up, the method and time of notifying the owner if known, of
redemption procedures, and the disposition of the animal and the date
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and time thereof.
Section 014. Notice of Violation--Civil Penalties
A. Unless another penalty is expressly provided for, all acts, conduct,
and events prohibited or declared unlawful in this Ordinance shall
constitute civil infraction.
B. Whenever an Animal Control Officer has reasonable grounds to
believe an animal is violating or being maintained in violation of
this chapter, he/she shall be authorized to issue the owner a
notice of violation. The penalties assessed within any twelve
month period shall be as follows:
Public nuisance violation as defined in Section 003:
First violation................................................warning notice
Second violation.........................................$100.00 civil infraction
Third violation.............................................$250.00 civil infraction
Fourth violation............................................Misdemeanor
Dogs declared to be potentially dangerous or dangerous:
In addition to any license requirements the following shall apply:
Potentially dangerous dog............ $250.00 civil infraction
Dangerous dog............................... $500.00 civil infraction
Potentially dangerous dog at large $250.00 civil infraction
Quarantine:
Any person permitting an animal to violate a quarantine order
shall be subject to the following penalties:
Failure to quarantine and/or failure
to control quarantined animal.........$250.00 civil infraction
If any owner cited under this ordinance destroys or transfers the ownership of
the said animal it does not relieve the owner of his/her responsibility to pay any
and all civil or criminal fines or penalties as the result of the infraction or citation.
Section 015. Legal or equitable relief The Animal Control Authority in addition to the use of any other
remedy herein, may seek legal or equitable relief to enjoin acts or practices and abate any conditions
which constitute a violation of this chapter or other regulations hereafter adopted.
Section 016. Redemption The redemption fee for an animal includes the cost of apprehension and
transportation and the costs of impoundment and care of the animal including veterinary fees and shall be
paid to and retained by the Animal Control Authority. Any civil penalties due and owing shall be in addition
to the redemption fee. The redemption fee shall be set in accordance with the schedule provided by the
impoundment facility;
A. Daily Care:
For each 24 hour period or portion thereof, from the time of
impoundment:
1) Dog or cat $10.00
2) Other small animal weighing less than 50 pounds $10.00
3) Any livestock weighing 50 pounds or more $20.00
B. Veterinary costs:
Actual costs incurred from emergency medical care, other
extraordinary costs incurred to apprehend and/or impound the
animal may be charged by the Animal Control Authority.
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Section 017. Immunity
The county, the county's designee, the animal control authority, and the animal control
officer shall be immune from any and all civil liability for any actions taken pursuant to
this.chapter, or for any failure to take action to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
This chapter has been enacted for the welfare of the public as a whole.
Section 018. Severability
Should any section, clause, or provision of this ordinance by declared by the courts to be
invalid, the same shall not effect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any part thereof other than the
part declared invalid.
Signed this 29th day of September, 1998.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Joh A. Bol nder, Ch. ier on
4t _
Cynthia• . Olsen, Commissioner
Mary Jo'Cady, Commissioner
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ATTEST:
becca S. Rogers, Cleii of the Board
A PROV .D A TO FORM:
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Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Michael Clift
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