FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6350

                                   C 89 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Smith, Halsan, Zimmerman, West and Bauer)

Establishing a civil penalty for killing or injuring a guide or service dog.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

House Committe on Judiciary

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

It is a gross misdemeanor for a person to intentionally take, lead away, confine, secrete, convert, wilfully kill or injure any dog.  It also is a gross misdemeanor to conceal the identity of any dog or its owner.  Violation of this law can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.  Other states have laws similar to Washington's law.  When this law has been violated in other states, there has been little or no prosecution.  Concern exists that the same result may occur in Washington.

SUMMARY:

A civil penalty is imposed as an option for the user of a guide or service dog wilfully injured or killed.

A person who negligently or maliciously kills or injures a guide or service dog must pay a penalty of $1,000 to the dog's user.  This penalty is in addition to any other remedies or penalties, either civil or criminal, provided in the law.

When a guide or service dog is negligently or maliciously injured or killed, the user or owner of the dog is entitled to recover attorney fees and costs incurred in pursuing any civil remedy.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    49     0

      House 96   1

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988