Drafter
Clerk 10/21/2008
Title
A MOTION requesting the executive to study the feasibility of implementing a ban on continuous dog chaining, tethering and small space confinement and report findings and recommendations to the King County council.
Body
WHEREAS, King County is striving to implement a model humane animal services program, reduce rates of animal euthanasia and prevent animal cruelty, and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs are social pack animals and the practice of continuous confinement of dogs by chain or tether may result in increased vicious and aggressive behavior towards other animals and humans, and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Department of Agriculture continuous chaining and tethering of dogs is inhumane, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 11.04 vicious and aggressive dogs are considered a nuisance and a threat to the health and safety of people, animals and property, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 11.04 irreparably vicious and aggressive dogs may be euthanized, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Motion 12521, a model humane animal services program recognizes that dogs require socialization, exercise and requires the prevention of animal cruelty;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The executive is requested to study the feasibility of implementing a dog chaining, tethering and small space confinement ban. The executive is requested to consider the following elements in the feasibility study:
1. Input by the King County Animal Control Officers Guild;
2. Input by the King County sheriff's office;
3. Input by the King County prosecuting attorney's office;
4. Input by the National Animal Control Association;
5. Input by community members, including proponent and opponent perspectives;
6. Cost of implementation;
7. Public education and awareness;
8. Impacts to public health and safety;
9. Humane standards and expectations in King County;
10. Possible implementation in King County's unincorporated areas;
11. Possible implementation in contract cities; and
12. Experiences of jurisdictions that have implemented chaining and tethering bans.
B. A report with findings and recommendations on the feasibility of a chaining, tethering and small space confinement ban should be transmitted to the council for consideration by motion or ordinance by February 28, 2009.