Most Moses Lake dog owners violate licensing law

Annual fee is $5 for spayed dogs

MOSES LAKE - Many dog owners appear to be unaware of all the requirements to own a dog in the city, said Moses Lake Police Chief Dean Mitchell.

Mitchell and Community Service Officer Jim Reyna met with the Columbia Basin Herald to discuss requirements and potential consequences for owning a dog in the city.

All dogs are required to be vaccinated and licensed in the city, Mitchell said.

Most dogs impounded are not licensed, Reyna said. It's estimated that less than 30 percent of dogs in the city are licensed.

It costs $5 to license a spayed or neutered dog and $30 to license an unaltered dog, Mitchell said. The license must be renewed annually.

Proof of vaccinations and alterations are required at the time of licensing and it can be done at the police department located at 321 S. Balsam St. In exchange for the fee, a license tag is given to the pet owner who is required to place it on the dog's collar. Replacement

tags cost $2.50.

Reyna said there are benefits to licensing a dog. He makes attempts to contact the dog owner and will return the pet to its home safely. Once the pet is licensed, the owner's contact information and address are documented.

If an owner can't be reached, the animal is impounded at the Grant County Animal Outreach shelter.

Once impounded, it costs $20 plus $5 per day for boarding for an altered animal. An unaltered animal costs $50 plus $5 per day for boarding.

Mitchell said licensing is required to keep dog owners accountable. If a dog attacks someone, ownership of the dog can't be denied.

He said most people are unaware there is a leash law. All dogs are required to be on a leash if they are not on their owner's property, otherwise, the dog owner can be fined.

"People are concerned about dogs running at large in our town," he said.

Barking dogs are also an issue, often reported during nighttime hours.

To ticket someone for a barking dog, the officer must hear the dog barking or obtain a sworn affidavit from someone indicating the dog was barking.

Mitchell said officers prefer to educate dog owners about the laws with a warning on the first offense before issuing citations.

Dollar amounts per citation increase after the first offense.

Pet owners are prohibited from owning more than three animals of any combination per residence, including cats and dogs, Mitchell reminded. People can own more than three pets with permission from the Moses Lake City Council.

Fines for violating ordinances pertaining to pet ownership:

Unlicensed dog: First offense is $82 and second offense is $164.

Dog at large or unleashed dog: First offense is $82, second offense is $246 and third offense is $410.

Noise caused by barking dog: First offense is $164, second offense is $349 and third offense is $738.

Female dog in heat at large: First offense is $144 and second offense is $246.

Keeping a vicious animal: First offense is $419 and second offense is $1,025.

Failure to renew a dog license: $246