MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Animal Control

Local Breed-Specific Dog Bans Now Need a Good Behavior Exception

February 10, 2020 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Animal Control

This blog post explores a new law that requires any local breed-specific dog regulations include a good behavior exemption.

Warning: Summer Heat, Enclosed Pets, and Animal Fighting

August 1, 2019 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Animal Control

With its long days and hot temperatures, summer is a great time to remember that pets should not be left unattended in enclosed vehicles. This blog post also reviews 2019 legislation prohibiting animal fighting.

New Laws Change Rules for Service Animals

December 18, 2018 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Animal Control , New Legislation and Regulations

SHB 2822 amends the Washington Law Against Discrimination in order to reduce and prevent both the intentional and mistaken misrepresentation of pets and other animals as service animals when they are not.

New Law on Restraining Dogs

July 10, 2017 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Animal Control , New Legislation and Regulations

In this blog post, Paul Sullivan provides an overview of a new law adopted by the legislature that regulates the tethering of dogs. The new law goes into effect on July 23, 2017.

Pets + Hot Day + Enclosed Vehicle = Trouble

July 13, 2015 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Animal Control

With the long daytimes and warm temperatures of summer, it's good to be reminded about the life-threatening hazard of leaving pets in unattended, enclosed vehicles. Animals left in vehicles on a warm day, even for a short time and even with a window slightly open, can quickly suffer heart stroke and die. The 2015 Legislature has recognized this issue and has given law enforcement and animal control clear authority to deal with this situation and has provided a specific penalty to the pet owner who allows it to occur.