What is the law on vicious dogs?

In Washington, the law on vicious dogs is known as Section 16.08.080 of their Revised Code of Washington (RCW). According to this section, a vicious dog is defined as any dog that has exhibited a propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury, or otherwise to threaten the safety of human beings or domestic animals. People who own vicious dogs are liable for all damages they cause, regardless of their owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness. If the dog injures or kills someone, the owner is liable for damages. In addition, the owner may face criminal charges if the dog is declared a menace under RCW 16.08.070. Dogs that are declared a menace must be securely confined in an enclosure or be muzzled whenever off the owner’s property. Additionally, the owner is also required to post a warning sign and notify the local law enforcement if their dog is deemed a menace. In some cases, a judge may order the humane destruction of a dog declared a menace in order to prevent a future incident. This does not always happen, however, as many localities have a “three strikes” rule which allows for a dog to be declared a menace three times before it is destroyed. In Washington, it is in the owners’ best interest to make sure their dog does not become a menace and that their pet is not a danger to others. Generally, if you take the necessary precautions to ensure your dog’s safety and the safety of those around it, you are unlikely to face legal action for owning it.

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What is the law on vicious dogs?

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