Much of the law covering animals in Seattle is 40 years old - or older. Our city embraces its furry family members - there are more companion animals in Seattle than children. We believe our animals would benefit from a thoughtful redrafting of Title 9. Here are some of our ideas for that project:
Change the terminology. Words carry power, and we think the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) should be renamed Seattle Animal Services. Title 9.52 is designated “Animal Control”, and we recommend this be changed to “Animal Services”. The city ought to have a robust conversation with citizens about the services SAS offers (or doesn’t offer) and how to prioritize them.
Include a robust education program in new Title 9. Everyone should know what it means to neglect an animal or what it is to be abusive. Citizens ought to be able to recognise an abused animal and how to report it.
Explore ideas for making animal abusers more accountable for their actions. While prosecutions for violating SMC 9.25 are limited to misdemeanors, recent changes to the statute prohibit repeat offenders from owning animals. It’s a good change, but more needs to be done. Animals are property, just like your sofa. How can we expand sanctions when the injured are labeled “property”?
Adopt standards for animal care businesses, such as grooming and daycare centers. Inspections should flow from the standards to ensure safe and healthy service delivery, with public report cards. Authority for examining animal services is already in the statute: see SMC 9.25.030(A)(21).