HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESB 5200

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House - Amended:

April 6, 2009

Title: An act relating to marauding dogs.

Brief Description: Concerning marauding dogs.

Sponsors: Senator Brandland.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Judiciary: 3/19/09, 3/26/09 [DPA].

Floor Activity

Passed House - Amended: 4/6/09, 96-0.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill

(As Amended by House)

  • Repeals the provision requiring a sheriff or deputy sheriff to kill a dog found running at large without a metal identification tag between the months of August and March.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Pedersen, Chair; Goodman, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Flannigan, Kelley, Kirby, Ormsby, Roberts, Ross and Warnick.

Staff: Courtney Barnes (786-7194)

Background:

Under Washington law, a sheriff or deputy sheriff is required to kill any dog found running at large without a metal identification tag between the months of August and March.

Summary of Amended Bill:

The law requiring a sheriff or deputy sheriff to kill any dog found running at large without a metal identification tag between the months of August and March is repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The original bill only repealed the sheriff's duty to kill a dog running at large without a metal identification tag. This law is outdated and should be repealed. The section of the bill repealing the duty of an owner to kill a dog that has killed a domestic animal was added by the Senate on the floor. The bill is a work in progress and is not intended to limit the ability of livestock owners to protect their property.

(Opposed) Removing the duty of a pet owner to euthanize his or her dog after it destroys livestock eliminates an important tool used by livestock owners to protect their property. The bill should be refined to repeal only the provision relating to a sheriff's duty to kill a dog running at large without a metal identification tag.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Senator Brandland, prime sponsor.

(Opposed) Jack Field, Washington Cattlemen's Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: (In support) Julie Corwin.