Revised Code of Washington
2023 Archive

Chapter 16.52 RCW
PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
PDF of Chapter Digest
PDF of Complete Chapter
Sections
16.52.011Definitions—Principles of liability.
16.52.015Enforcement—Law enforcement agencies and animal care and control agencies.
16.52.020Humane societies—Enforcement authority.
16.52.025Humane societies—Animal control officers.
16.52.080Transporting or confining in unsafe manner—Penalty.
16.52.085Seizure of animal for abuse or neglect—Process—Notice—Forfeiture of animal—Petition for a civil hearing for the immediate return of a seized animal.
16.52.090Docking horses—Misdemeanor.
16.52.095Certain veterinary procedures—Misdemeanor.
16.52.100Confinement without food and water—Intervention by others.
16.52.117Animal fighting—Prohibited behavior—Penalty—Exceptions.
16.52.180Limitations on application of chapter.
16.52.185Exclusions from chapter.
16.52.190Poisoning animals—Penalty.
16.52.193Poisoning animals—Strychnine sales—Records—Report on suspected purchases.
16.52.200Sentences—Forfeiture of animals—Liability for costs—Penalty—Education, counseling.
16.52.205Animal cruelty in the first degree.
16.52.207Animal cruelty in the second degree—Penalty.
16.52.210Destruction of animal by law enforcement officer—Immunity from liability.
16.52.220Transfers of mammals for research—Certification requirements—Pet animals.
16.52.225Nonambulatory livestock—Transporting or accepting delivery—Gross misdemeanor—Definition.
16.52.230Remedies not impaired.
16.52.300Dogs or cats used as bait—Seizure—Limitation.
16.52.305Unlawful use of hook—Gross misdemeanor.
16.52.310Dog breeding—Limit on the number of dogs—Required conditions—Penalty—Definitions.
16.52.320Maliciously killing or causing substantial bodily harm to livestock belonging to another—Penalty.
16.52.330Veterinarians—Animal cruelty—Liability immunity.
16.52.340Leave or confine any animal in unattended motor vehicle or enclosed space—Class 2 civil infraction—Officers' authority to reasonably remove animal.
16.52.350Dog tethering—Penalties.
16.52.360Retail pet store—Sale of dog or cat—Penalty.
NOTES:
Cruelty to stock in transit: RCW 81.48.070.
Pet animals—Taking, concealing, injuring, killing, etc.—Penalty: RCW 9.08.070.