Pinehurst Pets – Leash Laws

All pets, except cats and pigeons, are required to be on-leash when off their own property. The obvious exception is when the pet is at an off-leash park.

1 – If you see an animal running loose, it’s neighborly to let the owner know before taking further steps (we will deal with stray animals in a future post). The owner might not be aware that the pet is loose and will be grateful you took the time to tell them. Even if they know the animal is loose, such as letting their dog out to poop, they might not be aware that the dog is leaving the yard. Try to work out a reasonable solution in a friendly, neighborly manner.

2 – If talking to the owner doesn’t yield satisfactory results, you can file a complaint. Call the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-7387 or file a complaint online. Upon a first complaint, a letter will be sent to the pet owner notifying them that a leash law violation complaint has been filed and that they must take appropriate steps to prevent a second incident.

3 – If the violation occurs again, you can call the Shelter and speak to a representative.  The rep will send you a declaration form to fill out.  In addition, an officer will be sent to the residence to investigate.  No further enforcement action will be taken before your completed declaration is received by the Shelter.  Document the nature and the extent of the problem in the declaration.  Be thorough and honest, as you are signing this document under penalty of perjury.

If six months has passed between complaints regarding leash law issues, the complaint process will return to step two and start over again.

Seattle Animal Shelter’s website is http://www.seattle.gov/animalshelter/ and its hours and location are here.

Our next post will cover injured or dead animals, including wildlife.