FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6560

C 220 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating the crime of unlawful use of a hook.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife (originally sponsored by Senators Oke, Fraser, Swecker, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Jacobsen, Thibaudeau, Fairley and Winsley).

Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife

House Committee on Judiciary

Background: The method of using treble hooks covered with rabbit fur to snag coyotes has been used in some states on the east coast. That practice appears to be legal in the state of Washington and does not violate the Fish and Wildlife Code. A dog was caught on one of these baited treble hooks in Olympia in 2003.

Summary: The animal cruelty statute is amended to provide that the use of a hook that pierces the flesh of a bird or mammal constitutes animal cruelty. The unlawful use of a hook is a gross misdemeanor.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       95  0    (House amended)

Senate       49  0    (Senate concurred)

Effective: March 29, 2004