SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5116

BYSenators Barr, Hansen, Anderson and Bailey

Prohibiting animals at large.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 24, 1989; February 7, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5116 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Bailey, Gaspard, Hansen, Madsen.

Senate Staff:Bob Lee (786-7404); John Stuhlmiller (786-7446)

                  February 9, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FEBRUARY 7, 1989

BACKGROUND:

State law provides authority to the boards of county commissioners to determine what areas within their counties are stock restricted areas where livestock must be confined by a fence.  The areas that are not designated as stock restricted are called open range areas where horses, mules, donkeys, as well as cattle may run at large.  Currently, county commissioners do not have the authority to prohibit horses from running at large.

SUMMARY:

Horses, mules and donkeys are prohibited from running at large in open range areas.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The term "county commissioners" is changed to "county legislative authority."  The county legislative authority is provided the option of determining whether horses, mules, donkeys and cattle, or just cattle, can run at large in open range areas.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Marlyta Deck, Washington Cattlemen's Association