SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6195

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Kreidler and Moore)

Prohibiting the use of live animals to train hunting, tracking or fighting animals.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 20, 1990; January 23, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6195 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  March 3, 1990

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 6, 1990

BACKGROUND:

There have been several cases where kittens have been mutilated and killed by hunting hounds being trained to track.  A case in Thurston County in the spring of 1989 ended in a conviction of one person.  Wildlife enforcement agents and county sheriffs state that this is not an isolated occurrence.

SUMMARY:

The cruelty to animals statute is amended to provide that any person who uses domestic dogs or cats as bait, prey or targets for the purpose of training dogs or other animals to track, fight or hunt in any way which would torture, torment, starve or mutilate such animals shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person who uses domestic dogs and cats in this way will be guilty of a gross misdemeanor when the action results in the death of an animal.  Law enforcement authorities enforcing these provisions may seize and hold the animals being trained.  The animals will be disposed of by court order.  Statutes will apply to any animal that is a pet animal regardless of whether it is in physical possession of the person using the animal.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: George Steele, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney (pro); Michael Ware, Thurston County Sheriff (pro); Daniel Wykoff, Department of Wildlife (pro); Gloria Hunter, Washington State Hound Council (con); Dave Wood, Washington State Hound Council (con); Darrell Borden, self (con); Klaus Meyn, Northwest Field Trial Association (con)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The provisions on "pet animal possession" are modified and specified language on the use of traps is added.  The statute will not affect any existing law relating to biomedical research.  The other provisions of the Senate bill remain the same.