Breeds added to hazardous dog code

Pit bulls, rottweilers, presa canarios, akitas and chows

MOSES LAKE - Several other dog breeds were added to an ordinance declaring them hazardous, which could result in a larger registration fine if the Moses Lake City Council passes it Tuesday night.

It was not discussed at a previous meeting that the additional dogs breeds would be declared hazardous. Previously the ordinance was limited to breeds commonly referred to as pit bulls and dogs that have a tendency to display threatening behavior toward people and domestic animals.

The new definition now includes rottweilers, presa canarios, akitas and chows. The definition also includes dogs mixed with any of the stated breeds.

The Moses Lake City Council will discuss an ordinance declaring certain dogs as hazardous Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers.

The ordinance must be read its second and final time Tuesday before making it a law. The council will listen to public testimony during the meeting. During the past two meetings concerning the issue, council did not listen to testimony.

According to the ordinance, it will cost $150 to register a hazardous dog.

There are several requirements to keep a hazardous dog if the ordinance passes.

The requirements include keeping the animal in an enclosed structure and posting signs indicating there is a hazardous dog on the property. The dog would be required to be spayed or neutered and have a microchip installed, according to the proposed ordinance. The hazardous dog owner would be required to obtain a $250,000 liability insurance policy in case the dog injures someone.

To view the ordinance, visit ci.moses-lake.wa.us, select "agendas and minutes," and select the Nov. 25 agenda. The ordinance begins on page 29.