Anti Cruelty Program

Do you know of a neglected or abused animal?

Seattle's anti cruelty laws, Seattle Municipal Code 9.25.081, require that animals be provided with proper care. Seattle Animal Shelter is responsible for enforcing these laws within Seattle City limits.

Animal owners and caretakers who fail to provide their animals with proper food, water, and shelter violate the law. It is also a violation to fail to provide such care as proper confinement, veterinary care and a healthful environment. Any person who tortures, torments, mutilates, cruelly beats or cruelly kills an animal also violates RCW codes 16.52.205 (animal cruelty in the first degree). The penalty for a misdemeanor animal cruelty is a fine of up to $500 and up to 180 days in jail. The fine for animal cruelty in the first degree, which is a felony, is a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or 5 years in jail.

The typical neglected dog is kept on a porch or in a yard, garage, or basement, often improperly confined on a chain and deprived of socialization, as well as not being provided with proper food, water, and/or shelter. The following guidelines for animal care will assist you in determining whether you should report a possible case of animal abuse and/or neglect.

Shelter

Animals left outside must be provided with proper shelter that meets the following standards:

WEATHERPROOF CONSTRUCTION

Elevated with no cracks or openings other than the entrance.

SIZE

Small enough to allow the dog to warm the interior with body heat, but large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down.

COLD WEATHER UPGRADE

Between Nov. 1 and March 31, and anytime the temperature falls below 45 degrees, the entrance should be protected by a flap or offset outer door and a sufficient amount of dry bedding such as straw or cedar chips should be provided.

SHADE

The shelter must be placed where it will be shaded in hot weather and have protection from wind in cold weather.

Water

Animals must have access to clean water at all times.

Food

Animals must be provided with nutritious food in sufficient quantity every day. An animal's physical condition is the best indicator of proper diet. If an animal appears underweight, it is probably not receiving enough food. A long or ungroomed haircoat may hide a severely malnourished condition.

Veterinary Care

Veterinary care must be provided for animals showing persistent symptoms of disease or illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, emaciation, loss of appetite, or discharge from the eyes or nose. An animal that has been injured or appears to be in pain must be provided with immediate veterinary care. Owners unable to afford veterinary care should contact Seattle Animal Shelter at the time the problem is noticed to ask for assistance.

Space, Sanitation, Air & Light

Exercise space that is of sufficient size and kept in a clean, healthful manner must be provided. Animals must have access to relatively clean air and preferably at least 8 hours of light each day. Continual confinement in areas that are too small or dark, or are filthy with trash and fecal accumulation, or have a strong odor, is unacceptable.

Confinement

Chaining is not a recommended form of confinement. It often causes health and temperament problems. Recommended confinement includes confinement in a securely fenced yard or pen of adequate size, or house confinement with outdoor exercise.

Collars

Collars should be loose enough to allow at least two fingers to slide easily between the collar and neck. A collar that is too tight can cause severe injury.

Grooming

Animals who have haircoats requiring grooming such as poodles, Old English Sheepdogs and Persian cats must be groomed as needed to avoid matting and skin problems. A matted, filthy haircoat indicates an animal is not receiving proper daily care.

Abuse

Abuse violations - torture, torment, mutilation, cruel beating and cruel killing - take many forms. Torment need not be physical in nature; an animal can be tormented by baiting or teasing, or a pattern of intimidation by yelling or threatening physical harm. Serious physical abuse, if not witnessed, may be hard to detect because the physical evidence, such as bruising and abrasions, may be hidden by hair. Visible evidence of physical abuse includes limping, swelling, bloody urine and broken teeth. Hand shyness, timidity, cowering and fear biting are behaviors symptomatic of abuse, particularly if the animal exhibits these behaviors in the presence of the abuser.

What to do if you suspect an animal is abused or neglected:

Get as much information as possible. This includes the condition of the animal, whether they are provided with proper shelter, water, and other necessities. However, even if you cannot obtain this information and you suspect an animal is being neglected, you still should report this. Call Seattle Animal Shelter at 386-PETS (7387). Give as much information as possible to the dispatcher. Complainant's can remain confidential. If you request confidentiality your name will not be released under State public disclosure laws, but may become public information if a cruelty case is prosecuted. It is important for callers to leave their name and number in case the officer has trouble locating the animal or for follow-ups in the future.