City of Bellingham Municipal Code

7.04.030 - DEFINITIONS

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

A. Allow means to permit by neglecting to restrain or prevent.

B. Animal shall have its customary common meaning and shall include dogs where applicable.

C. Animal control authority means the Bellingham-Whatcom County Humane Society.

D. Animal control officer means employees of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Humane Society who are authorized to enforce this title and the laws of the State of Washington as they relate to animal control and welfare.

E. Animal shelter means any facility operated by a Humane Society, or municipal agency, or its authorized contractors or agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals held under the authority of this chapter or State law.

F. Barking dog means any dog which by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, or barking unreasonably annoys or disturbs other persons in the vicinity.

G. Dangerous dog means any dog that according to the records of the city's animal control officer:

1. Has inflicted severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property;

2. Has killed a domestic animal without provocation while off the owner's property; or

3. Has been previously found to be potentially dangerous, the owner having received notice of such, and the dog again aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans or domestic animals.

1. Inflicts bites on a human or a domestic animal either on public or private property; or

2. Chases or approaches a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; or

3. Any dog with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attach unproviked, or to cause injury or otherwise to threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals.