Today Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed an Animal Cruelty bill (SSB 5501) that will toughen the penalty for those who abuse animals and make it easier for law enforcement to intervene in cases of animal cruelty.
The bill also makes it easier for animal control officers to rescue dogs locked in hot cars.
In addition, Governor Inslee vetoed section 7 of the bill, a last minute addition by Representative Brad Klippert (R-Kennewick) that would have undermined existing law by making it virtually impossible to prosecute neglect and cruelty to farm animals in noncommercial settings, such as animals kept in backyards or by hobbyists.
The Washington Senate passed the bill unanimously, 49-0, while the House of Representatives passed it 59-38 with one excused absence.
Today Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill that will clarify, remove inconsistencies, and revise animal cruelty laws. Sen. Joe Fain (holding his dog Waffles) was the point person for the bill and helped it get through the Legislature to the Governor’s desk Photo from Office of the Governor.
The new law will clarify, remove inconsistencies from, and make minor revisions to state laws that define and address animal cruelty. There are three key features of the bill:
1. It modifies the definition of animal cruelty in the first degree to include, unless otherwise allowed by law, the act of intentionally killing or causing substantial pain or injury to an animal while manifesting an extreme indifference to life.
2. It keeps children and animals safe by making it illegal to cause a minor to participate in organized animal fighting activities, while broadening protection to prohibit organized fights between any animals, not just between dogs and between male chickens.
3. It prohibits the unsafe confinement of animals by specifying the conditions under which officers may remove animals confined in extreme temperatures; limits officers’ liability for property damage when damage results from authorized removal of animals; and creates a class 2 civil infraction penalty.
Many thanks to Governor Inslee for signing this important piece of legislation and vetoing the section that would have undermined existing animal cruelty laws.
Thanks to the Washington Alliance for Humane Legislation, the Washington State Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies, and PAWS for spearheading the campaign to pass this important bill.
Here’s the video of the signing ceremony and Governor Inslee’s remarks about the new law.
I am happy to hear that laws have been strengthened, but still would love to see higher penalties & depending on the level of cruelty I’d like to see these as felony charges.
I agree with you
Anyone who hurts animals needs to be charged with a felonie! Look at the horrible sick monster who is killing cats in Thurston County!! I’m furious that people continue to get away with this yet I think Gov Inslee made a start in 2015. We need stricter laws Governor Inslee!! Thank you for anything you can do!
I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you so much, Governor Inslee for making it easier for law enforcement to help animals who are being abused, neglected and/or killed by cruel people. These animals have no voice for themselves and depend on the kindness and consideration that humans give them. Thanks again for making their voices heard …
That law is so important. As an Oregonian, I hope my state will follow your example.
Me too.
Thank you for advocating for our beloved animals and signing this bill. My husband and I are “pet parents” and have rescued and adopted many dogs. It is a privilege to have them in our lives and their love is profound in so many ways.
Thanks for rescuing your dogs!
Does this law prevent puppy mills?
Unfortunately no.
Why do republicans think animal cruelty IS A RIGHT???.
They don’t. The bill was sponsored by a Republican and lots of R’s voted for it.
I’m so happy this passed. I would like to ask, what do we do when our county police will do nothing after being called on dogs in hot car for an hour. Comes and checks on the dogs in 100 degree heat with window down 2 in and said there is nothing he can do. We the people of this town are tired of being treated as annoying for trying to help these dogs not die a horrible death and by following the law and calling the police only to watch nothing being done by the law..it’s shameful!
You should contact local animal control if you have one. If the dog is in obvious distress, some people would break the window themselves It illegal because they’re damaging someone’s property, but they think it worth the trade off.