Washington State Law Ends Delays in Animal Abuse Cases
Wendy Kaplar
Jun 9
2 min read
A happy dog enjoys the safety Washington State's new animal cruelty law is meant to protect.
Governor Bob Ferguson has ushered through a bipartisan law that fortifies Washington’s animal cruelty statutes and wipes away the red tape that once kept officers from stepping in when animals were suffering.
Lawmakers cited several recent failures as motivation for the changes. In King County, officers were unable to take action against a repeat offender with a history of animal fighting who was found in possession of multiple dogs. A delay in Pierce County stalled an animal neglect investigation long enough for several animals to die before help arrived. After repeated complaints about a Snohomish County backyard breeder went unanswered, authorities finally entered the property and found animals malnourished and suffering from untreated illnesses.
House Bill 1149, sponsored by Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, was signed into law on May 12 and will take effect July 27. The measure eliminates the 36-hour waiting period that officers were once required to observe before acting on reports of animal neglect, even when animals were visibly suffering. Officers will now be able to intervene immediately if there is probable cause to believe an animal’s health or safety is at risk.
The law also broadens the definition of second-degree animal cruelty to include the failure to provide food, water, shelter, or medical care, not just overt physical abuse.
Penalties for animal fighting have also been expanded. The law now applies not only to participants but also to organizers, promoters, and anyone who profits from the activity. Those convicted of animal cruelty or animal fighting will face new restrictions.
Offenders are barred from owning, living with, or serving in any custodial role involving animals. Penalties increase with repeat offenses, starting as a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor for a second offense, and rising to a Class C felony for subsequent violations.
