Bellingham, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

The animal control officer may find and declare a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous if the officer has probable cause to believe that the dog falls within the definition of “dangerous dog” or “potentially dangerous dog” set forth in BMC 7.04.030. The finding must be based upon:

1. The written complaint of a citizen who is willing to testify that the animal has acted in a manner which causes it to fall within the definition of “dangerous dog” or “potentially dangerous dog” in BMC 7.04.030; or

2. Dog bite reports filed with the animal control officer as required by city ordinance or state law; or

3. Actions of the dog witnessed by any animal control officer or law enforcement officer; or

4. Other substantial evidence admissible in the municipal court.

B. The declaration shall be in writing, and shall be served by the animal control officer on the owner or keeper in one of the following methods:

1. Certified mail to the owner or keeper’s last known address; or

2. Personally; or

3. If the owner or keeper cannot be located by one of the first two methods, by publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

C. The declaration shall contain the following information:

1. Name and address of the owner or keeper of the dog.

2. A description of the dog.

3. Whereabouts of the dog.

4. Facts upon which the declaration is based.

5. Restrictions placed upon the dog.