HB 2043-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/12/04)

Declares that the breed of a dog shall not be a determining factor when declaring a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous.

Provides that a dog may not be considered potentially dangerous or dangerous if the dog's threatening behavior or infliction of injury or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time, was: (1) Committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog;

(2) Tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or has, in the past, been observed or reported to have tormented, abused, or assaulted the dog; or

(3) Committing or attempting to commit a crime.

Declares that "dog" includes wolf-dog hybrids.

Provides that, unless a city or county has a more restrictive code requirement, the animal control authority of the city or county in which an owner has a dangerous dog shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of such animal if the owner presents to the animal control unit sufficient evidence of a surety bond issued by a surety insurer qualified under chapter 48.28 RCW in a form acceptable to the animal control authority in the sum of at least one hundred thousand dollars, payable to any person injured by the dangerous dog, or a policy of liability insurance, such as homeowner's insurance, issued by an insurer qualified under Title 48 RCW in the amount of at least one hundred thousand dollars, insuring the owner for any personal injuries inflicted by the dangerous dog.