5735-S

AN ACT Relating to animal cruelty; amending RCW 16.52.030, 16.52.050, 16.52.060, 16.52.085, 16.52.090, 16.52.095, 16.52.110, 16.52.180, 16.52.200, 9.08.070, and 81.56.120; adding new sections to chapter 16.52 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 69.38 RCW; repealing RCW 16.52.010, 16.52.040, 16.52.055, 16.52.065, 16.52.113, 16.52.117, 16.52.120, 16.52.130, 16.52.140, 16.52.160, 16.52.165, 16.52.190, 16.52.193, and 16.52.195; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature with chapter . . ., Laws of 1994 (this act) to update the existing animal cruelty statutes and to provide penalties which more accurately reflect the severity of cruelty to animals. The legislature is not revising, expanding, or diminishing in any way the existing exemptions from the chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Animal" means any nonhuman mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, or fish.

(2) "Owner" means a person who has a right, claim, title, legal share, or right of possession to an animal or a person having lawful control, custody, or possession of an animal.

(3) "Person" means an individual, natural or otherwise.

(4) "Physical injury" means impairment of physical condition.

Sec. 3. RCW 16.52.030 and 1982 c 114 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) All members and agents, and all officers of any society ((so)) incorporated under RCW 16.52.020, as shall by the trustees of such society be duly authorized in writing, approved by any judge of the superior court of the county, and sworn in the same manner as are ((~~constables and~~)) peace officers, shall have power lawfully to interfere to prevent the perpetration of any act of cruelty upon any animal and may use such force as may be necessary to prevent the same, and to that end may summon to their aid any bystander((; they may make arrests for the violation of any of the provisions of RCW 16.52.010 through 16.52.050, 16.52.070 through 16.52.090 and 16.52.100 through 16.52.180 in the same manner as herein provided for other officers; and may carry the same weapons that such officers are authorized to carry)). The members and agents of any such corporation may have the power to carry nonfirearm protective devices and, if licensed as required by law, firearms that law enforcement officers may carry for the purpose of emergency euthanization of injured or ill animals and personal protection. Any person who incurs damages as a result of any act or omission by a member, agent, or officer of any incorporated society that has been sworn in the same manner as are peace officers, when such act or omission was performed in violation of their duties and in bad faith, shall have a cause of action for actual damages, costs, and attorneys' fees.

(2) Authorizations under this section shall be for a period not exceeding three years or termination of duties, whichever occurs first. The trustees of the society shall review the authorizations every three years and may revoke authorizations at any time by filing a certified revocation with the superior court from which the authorization was issued: PROVIDED, That all such members and agents shall((~~, when making arrests under this section,~~)) exhibit and expose a suitable badge to be adopted by such society. ((~~All persons resisting such specially authorized, approved and sworn officers, agents or members shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.~~))

Sec. 4. RCW 16.52.050 and 1901 c 146 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

When complaint is made on oath, to any ((~~magistrate~~)) judge authorized to issue warrants in criminal cases that the complainant believes that any of the provisions of law relating to or in any way affecting animals, are being or are about to be violated in any particular building or place, such ((~~magistrates~~)) judge shall issue and deliver immediately a warrant directed to any sheriff, ((~~constable~~)) deputy, police or peace officer, or officer of any incorporated society qualified as provided in RCW 16.52.030, authorizing him or her to enter and search such building or place((, and to arrest any person or persons there present violating or attempting to violate any law relating to or in any way affecting animals, and to bring such person or persons before some court or magistrate of competent jurisdiction within the city or county within which such offense has been committed or attempted to be committed, to be dealt with according to law)) and seize evidence of violations of this chapter.

Sec. 5. RCW 16.52.060 and 1987 c 202 s 182 are each amended to read as follows:

Any judge, sheriff, deputy, or police officer may arrest any person found committing any ((~~of the~~)) act((~~s enumerated~~)) in violation of RCW ((~~16.52.065~~)) 9.08.070 or 81.56.120 or this chapter, without a warrant for such arrest, and any officer or member of any humane society, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, may cause the immediate arrest of any person engaged in, or who shall have committed such cruelties, upon making oral complaint to any sheriff, deputy, or police officer((~~, or such officer or member of such society may himself or herself arrest any person found perpetrating any of the cruelties herein enumerated~~)): PROVIDED, That said person making such oral complaint ((~~or making such arrest~~)) shall file with a proper officer a written complaint, stating the act or acts complained of, within twenty-four hours, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after such arrest shall have been made.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. (1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the first degree when, except as authorized in law, he or she intentionally or knowingly (a) inflicts substantial pain on, (b) causes physical injury to, or (c) kills an animal by a means causing undue suffering, or forces a minor to inflict unnecessary pain, injury, or death on an animal.

(2) Animal cruelty in the first degree is a class C felony.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. (1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree when he or she:

(a) Under circumstances not amounting to animal cruelty in the first degree, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal;

(b) Uses or causes an animal to be used for purposes of human sexual arousal or intercourse, or requests or encourages the same to be done; or

(c) Abandons or fails to provide an animal that the person owns or possesses with necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, space, or medical attention and such failure results in the physical injury or death of the animal.

(2) Animal cruelty in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. (1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the third degree when he or she abandons or fails to provide an animal that the person owns or possesses with necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, space, or medical attention and such failure jeopardizes the health or safety of the animal.

(2) Animal cruelty in the third degree is a misdemeanor.

(3) In any prosecution of animal cruelty in the third degree, it shall be an affirmative defense, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant's failure was due to economic distress beyond the defendant's control.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. (1) A person is guilty of promoting animal fighting who, for amusement or monetary gain:

(a) Causes, permits, assists, facilitates, or provides (i) transportation, (ii) a premises, (iii) a facility, (iv) equipment, or (v) an animal for: An animal to fight or injure another animal or a human;

(b) Maintains one or more animals with the intent that the animal or animals be used in violation of (a) of this subsection;

(c) Advertises, promotes, or in any way disseminates information that can be reasonably construed to be intended to attract human spectators to a fight between animals or animals and humans; or

(d) Participates in a fight with an animal.

(2) Promoting animal fighting is a class C felony.

(3) This section does not prohibit:

(a) The use of animals in the management of livestock, as defined by chapter 16.57 RCW, by the owner of the livestock or the owner's employees or agents or other persons in lawful custody of the livestock;

(b) The use of animals in any lawful activity licensed by the state; or

(c) The training of animals or the use of equipment in the training of animals for purposes not otherwise prohibited by law.

(4) For purposes of prosecuting violations under this section, each offense is a separate offense and shall be prosecuted accordingly.

(5) For purposes of this section, it is a separate offense for each animal that is maintained for purposes of intent to fight.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. (1) A person is guilty of being a spectator at animal fighting when he or she is knowingly present as a spectator of an animal fighting event as described in section 9 of this act (a) where preparations are being made for an exhibition of fighting between animals or animals and humans or (b) in which an animal is engaged in fighting.

(2) It is not a defense that the person did not pay money to observe an animal fight.

(3) Being a spectator at animal fighting is a gross misdemeanor.

Sec. 11. RCW 16.52.085 and 1987 c 335 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) If the county sheriff, deputy, peace officer, or other law enforcement officer ((~~shall find~~)) has probable cause to believe that said domestic animal has been neglected or cruelly treated by its owner and no responsible person can be found to assume the care of the animal, he or she may authorize the removal of the animal to a ((~~proper pasture or other~~)) suitable place for feeding and ((~~restoring to health~~)) care without a warrant, or place the animal under the custody of the humane society, animal control agency, or agency responsible for stray animals in that jurisdiction. In determining what is a suitable place, the agency shall consider the animal's needs, including its size and disposition.

(2) If ((a)) the county sheriff, deputy, peace officer, or other law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe a violation of this chapter has occurred, the officer may authorize an examination of an allegedly neglected or abused domestic animal by a veterinarian to determine whether the level of neglect or abuse is sufficient to require removal of the animal. ((~~This section does not condone illegal entry onto private property.~~))

(3) Any owner whose domestic animal is removed to a suitable place pursuant to this chapter shall be given written notice of the circumstances of the removal and notice of legal remedies available to the owner. The notice shall be given by posting at the place of seizure, by delivery to a person residing at the place of seizure, or by registered mail if the owner is known. In making the decision to remove an animal pursuant to this chapter, the law enforcement officer shall make a good faith effort to contact the animal's owner before removal unless the animal is in a life-threatening condition or unless the officer reasonably believes that the owner would remove the animal from the jurisdiction.

(4) An animal taken into custody under this section may be humanely disposed of, at the discretion of the corporation or agency having custody of the animal, not less than fourteen business days after the animal is taken into custody. This does not preclude the euthanasia of severely injured or suffering animals at any time. A person may prevent the disposition of an animal in custody by: (a) Petitioning a court of competent jurisdiction for the immediate return of the animal subject to such conditions as the court may impose or (b) posting a bond or security in an amount sufficient to provide for the animal's care and keeping for a minimum of thirty days from the date of the seizure. At the end of the time for which expenses have been covered by the bond or security, the animal becomes the property of the corporation or agency having custody unless a court order prevents such a disposition. A court order preventing such a disposition may provide for a bond or security for the costs to the corporation or agency having custody for the care, keeping, or disposal of the animal.

(5) If no criminal case is filed within ((~~seventy-two hours~~)) fourteen business days of the removal of the animal, the owner may petition ((~~the district~~)) a court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the removal of the animal occurred for the return of the animal. The petition shall be filed with the court, with copies served to the law enforcement agency responsible for removing the animal and to the prosecuting attorney. If a criminal action is filed after the petition is filed but before the animal is returned, the petition shall be joined with the criminal matter.

((~~(5)~~)) (6) In a motion or petition for the return of the removed animal before a trial, the burden is on the owner to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the animal will not suffer future neglect and is not in need of being restored to health.

((~~(6)~~)) (7) Any authorized person treating or attempting to restore an animal to health under this chapter shall not be civilly or criminally liable for such action.

Sec. 12. RCW 16.52.090 and 1901 c 146 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

Every person who shall cut ((or)), cause to be cut, or assist in cutting the solid part of the tail of any horse in the operation known as "docking," or in any other operation for the purpose of shortening the tail or changing the carriage thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Sec. 13. RCW 16.52.095 and Code 1881 s 840 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall not be lawful for any person to cut off more than one-half of the ear or ears of any domestic animal such as an ox, cow, bull, calf, sheep, goat or hog, and any person cutting off more than one-half of the ear or ears of any such animals, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor((~~, and upon conviction, shall be fined in any sum less than twenty dollars~~)).

Sec. 14. RCW 16.52.110 and 1901 c 146 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

Every owner, driver, or possessor of any old, maimed or diseased horse, cow, mule, or other domestic animal, who shall permit the same to go loose in any lane, street, square, or lot or place of any city or township, without proper care and attention, for more than three hours after knowledge thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor: PROVIDED, That this shall not apply to any such owner keeping any old or diseased animal belonging to him or her on his or her own premises with proper care. Every sick, disabled, infirm or crippled horse, ox, mule, cow or other domestic animal, which shall be abandoned on the public highway, or in any open or enclosed space in any city or township, may, if, after search by a peace officer or officer of such society no owner can be found therefor, be ((~~killed by such officer; and it shall be the duty of all peace and public officers to cause the same to be killed on information of such abandonment~~)) euthanized or removed by such officer to a suitable place for feeding and care, or if necessary, euthanasia.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 15. (1) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, as used in this section, "property" means anything of value.

(2) Upon conviction of a person for a violation of section 9 of this act, the superior court may, in addition to its other powers of disposition, order forfeiture of any property, including animals, that was used or intended to be used to commit or facilitate the offense, or that is proceeds traceable to or derived from the offense. The court shall hear all motions and testimony and decide the forfeiture without a jury.

(3) During the pendency of any criminal case alleging a violation of section 9 of this act, the court may issue such orders as are appropriate to prevent wrongful disposition of property subject to forfeiture under this section. The court shall be guided in the entry of any order under this subsection by RCW 9A.82.100.

(4) If any property is seized pursuant to this section, the seizing agency shall immediately file a lis pendens with the appropriate county official.

(5) All seized property shall remain under the control of the seizing law enforcement agency, except animals may be released to the custody of a corporation formed under RCW 16.52.020, to a public animal control agency, or the agency responsible for stray animals in the jurisdiction in which the arrest was made. If the owner of seized property is not charged with a violation of section 9 of this act within fourteen days of seizure, all seized property shall be returned.

(6) When ordering forfeiture of property the court shall provide for the protection of bona fide security and community property interests unless the holder of the interest knew of or participated in the violation of section 9 of this act, and except to the extent that such interests were acquired in such a way as to be forfeitable under this section.

(7) The person seeking the protection of a security or community property interest shall have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence the interest is bona fide and the person did not know of or participate in the violation of section 9 of this act.

(8) The prosecuting attorney shall serve notice on the owner and all persons having any known right or interest in the property that it is seeking forfeiture of the property. Notice shall be made according to the rules of civil procedure within fifteen calendar days following the filing of criminal charges.

(9) Upon entry of an order of forfeiture, the seizing agency may dispose of the seized property, items, or animals in any manner. The disposition of any animal seized under this subsection shall consider the best interest of the animal. The seizing agency may return any property to a person having a secured or community property interest in such property or may sell the property and remit in cash any amount due and owing the secured or community interest person. Any funds received from disposal of the seized property, items, or animals except as are returned to secured parties or parties having a community property interest may be used for such lawful purposes as the seizing agency deems appropriate, including paying the costs of the investigation and prosecution.

(10) In the event a person whose property, items, or animals were seized is not charged with a violation of section 9 of this act, or is not convicted of such violation, all seized property, items, and animals shall be immediately returned to the person. No civil or criminal liability may accrue to any individual or agency as a result of any good faith arrest and seizure of any property or item.

Sec. 16. RCW 16.52.180 and 1901 c 146 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~No part of RCW 16.52.010 through 16.52.050, 16.52.070 through 16.52.090 and 16.52.100 through 16.52.180 shall be deemed to~~)) This chapter shall not interfere with any of the laws of this state known as the "game laws," ((~~nor shall RCW 16.52.010 through 16.52.050, 16.52.070 through 16.52.090 and 16.52.100 through 16.52.180 be deemed to interfere~~)) or with the right to destroy any venomous reptile or any known as dangerous to life, limb or property, or to interfere with the right to kill animals to be used for food or with any properly conducted scientific experiments or investigations, which experiments or investigations shall be performed only under the authority of the faculty of some regularly incorporated college or university of the state of Washington.

Sec. 17. RCW 16.52.200 and 1987 c 335 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The sentence imposed for a violation of this chapter may be deferred or suspended in accordance with RCW 3.66.067 and 3.66.068, however the probationary period shall be two years.

(2) In case of multiple convictions, the sentences shall be consecutive, however the probationary period shall remain two years.

(3) In addition to the penalties imposed by the court, the court ((~~shall~~)) may order the forfeiture of all animals held by law enforcement authorities under the provisions of this chapter if any one of the animals involved dies as a result of a violation of this chapter or if the ((~~defendant~~)) offender has a prior conviction under this chapter. In other cases the court may enter an order requiring the owner to forfeit the animal if the court ((~~deems~~)) finds the ((~~cruel~~)) treatment of the animal to have been severe and likely to reoccur. If forfeiture is ordered, the owner shall be prohibited from owning or caring for any similar animals for a period of ((~~two years~~)) time for which the sentencing court retains jurisdiction. The court may delay its decision on forfeiture under this subsection until the end of the probationary period.

(4) In addition to fines and court costs, the ((~~owner~~)) offender, only if convicted or in agreement, shall be liable for reasonable costs incurred pursuant to this chapter, including expenses for the investigation of the violation and the care or disposal of the animal or animals, by the law enforcement or authorized private or public entities involved with the care of the animals.

(5) If convicted, the ((~~owner~~)) offender shall also pay a civil penalty of one ((~~hundred~~)) thousand dollars to the county to prevent cruelty to animals. These funds shall be used to prosecute offenses under this chapter and to care for forfeited animals pending trial.

(6) In addition to the penalties imposed by the court, the court may, when otherwise authorized, order the offender to participate in a program designed to provide prevention, treatment, or education in the area of animal cruelty.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 18. (1) An owner whose animal is subjected to any act that is a violation of this chapter or RCW 9.08.070, 9A.48.080(1)(c), or 81.56.120 may bring an action to recover the actual damages sustained by him or her.

(2) In an action brought under subsection (1) of this section, regardless of whether an award of actual damages is obtained, a court may award a sum of not less than five hundred dollars and not more than five thousand dollars to an owner whose animal is subjected to any act that is a violation of this chapter or RCW 9.08.070, 9A.48.080(1)(c), or 81.56.120.

(3) A city, county, or corporation that is incorporated pursuant to RCW 16.52.020 may bring an action under this section against any person, including an owner. Any damages awarded such corporation shall be limited to the costs incurred by the corporation. The costs may include investigation of alleged violations of this chapter and capturing, transporting, treating, sheltering, feeding, and disposing of animals whose treatment is a violation of this chapter.

(4) In an action brought under subsection (3) of this section, regardless of whether an award of damages is obtained, a court may award a sum of not less than five hundred dollars and not more than five thousand dollars to a corporation that has custody, control, or ownership over an animal that has been subjected to any act that is a violation of this chapter or RCW 9.08.070, 9A.48.080(1)(c), or 81.56.120. An award made pursuant to this subsection may only be used to provide: (a) Education in prevention of cruelty to animals; or (b) treatment programs for persons who are found in violation of this chapter.

(5) An award made by a district court pursuant to this section shall not exceed the amount authorized by RCW 3.66.020.

(6) In an action brought under this section, any prevailing party shall be awarded costs and fees of the action including reasonable attorneys' fees.

(7) In any action brought under this section, it is not a defense that the defendant has not been charged with, or convicted of, a crime involving animals. The remedies provided in this section are in addition to, and do not replace or supplant, any other remedy available at law.

Sec. 19. RCW 9.08.070 and 1989 c 359 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any person who, with intent to deprive or defraud the owner thereof, does any of the following shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor and shall be punished as prescribed under RCW 9A.20.021(2) and by a mandatory fine of not less than five hundred dollars per pet animal except as provided by ((~~(d) of~~)) this subsection:

(a) Takes, leads away, confines, secretes or converts any pet animal, except in cases in which the value of the pet animal exceeds two hundred fifty dollars; or

(b) Conceals the identity of any pet animal or its owner by obscuring, altering, or removing from the pet animal any collar, tag, license, tattoo, or other identifying device or mark.

((~~(c) Willfully or recklessly kills or injures any pet animal, unless excused by law.~~

~~(d)~~)) Nothing in this subsection or subsection (2) of this section shall prohibit a person from also being convicted of separate offenses under RCW 9A.56.030, 9A.56.040, or 9A.56.050 for theft or under RCW 9A.56.150, 9A.56.160, or 9A.56.170 for possession of stolen property.

(2)(a) It is unlawful for any person to receive with intent to sell to a research institution in the state of Washington, or sell or otherwise directly transfer to a research institution in the state of Washington, a pet animal that the person knows or has reason to know has been stolen or fraudulently obtained. This subsection does not apply to U.S.D.A. licensed dealers.

(b) The first conviction under (a) of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor and is punishable as prescribed under RCW 9A.20.021(2) and by a mandatory fine of not less than five hundred dollars per pet animal. A second or subsequent conviction under (a) of this subsection is a class C felony and is punishable as prescribed under RCW 9A.20.021(1)(c) and by a mandatory fine of not less than one thousand dollars per pet animal.

(3)(a) It is unlawful for any person, who knows or has reason to know that a pet animal has been stolen or fraudulently obtained, to sell or otherwise transfer the pet animal to another who the person knows or has reason to know has previously sold a stolen or fraudulently obtained pet animal to a research institution in the state of Washington.

(b) A conviction under (a) of this subsection is a class C felony and shall be punishable as prescribed under RCW 9A.20.021(1)(c) and by a mandatory fine of not less than one thousand dollars per pet animal.

(4)(a) It is unlawful for a U.S.D.A. licensed dealer to receive with intent to sell, or sell or transfer directly or through a third party, to a research institution in the state of Washington, a pet animal that the dealer knows or has reason to know has been stolen or fraudulently obtained.

(5) The sale, receipt, or transfer of each individual pet animal in violation of subsections (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section constitutes a separate offense.

(6) The provisions of subsections (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section shall not apply to the lawful acts of any employee, agent, or director of any humane society, animal control agency, or animal shelter operated by or on behalf of any government agency, operating under law.

Sec. 20. RCW 81.56.120 and 1961 c 14 s 81.56.120 are each amended to read as follows:

Railroad or other transportation companies in carrying or transporting animals shall not permit them to be confined in cars for a longer period than forty-eight consecutive hours without unloading them for rest, water and feeding for a period of at least two consecutive hours, unless prevented from so unloading them by unavoidable accident. In estimating such confinement, the time during which the animals have been confined without such rest on connecting roads from which they are received shall be included. Animals so unloaded shall, during such rest, be properly fed, watered by the owner or person having the custody of them, or in case of his default in so doing, then by the railroad company transporting them, at the expense of said owner or person in custody thereof, and said company shall in such case have a lien upon such animals for food, care and custody furnished, and shall not be liable for such detention of such animals. If animals are transported where they can and do have proper food, water, space and opportunity for rest, the foregoing provision in regard to their being unloaded shall not apply. Violators of this section shall be punished by fine not exceeding one ((~~hundred~~)) thousand dollars per animal.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 21. A new section is added to chapter 69.38 RCW to read as follows:

It is unlawful for any person other than a registered pharmacist to sell at retail or furnish to any person any strychnine. This section does not prohibit county, state, or federal agents, in the course of their duties, from furnishing strychnine to any person. Every registered pharmacist selling or furnishing strychnine shall, before delivering the same, record the transaction as provided for in RCW 69.38.030.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 22. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

(1) RCW 16.52.010 and 1901 c 146 s 17;

(2) RCW 16.52.040 and 1901 c 146 s 14;

(3) RCW 16.52.055 and 1901 c 146 s 3;

(4) RCW 16.52.065 and 1982 c 114 s 3 & 1893 c 27 s 8;

(5) RCW 16.52.113 and 1982 c 114 s 8;

(6) RCW 16.52.117 and 1982 c 114 s 9;

(7) RCW 16.52.120 and 1982 c 114 s 11 & 1901 c 146 s 7;

(8) RCW 16.52.130 and 1982 c 114 s 12 & 1901 c 146 s 8;

(9) RCW 16.52.140 and 1901 c 146 s 11;

(10) RCW 16.52.160 and 1901 c 146 s 9;

(11) RCW 16.52.165 and 1982 c 114 s 7 & 1901 c 146 s 16;

(12) RCW 16.52.190 and 1941 c 105 s 1;

(13) RCW 16.52.193 and 1987 c 34 s 7 & 1941 c 105 s 2; and

(14) RCW 16.52.195 and 1941 c 105 s 3.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 23. Sections 1, 2, 6 through 10, 15, and 18 of this act are each added to chapter 16.52 RCW.