SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6350
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
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1988
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6350 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Halsan, Hayner, Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Talmadge.
Senate Staff:Lidia Mori (786-7418)
February 18, 1988
AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 16, 1988
BACKGROUND:
It is a gross misdemeanor for a person to intentionally take, lead away, confine, secrete, convert, wilfully kill or injure any dog or 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 user of the dog. 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.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested January 29, 1988
Senate Committee - Testified: Kay Kip, National Federation of the Blind of Washington