Lacey, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

The City of Lacey classifies dogs by conduct. Under section 7.04.070(A) of the Lacey Municipal Code, the animal services director or designee can declare a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous on the written complaint of a person willing to testify, plus previous aggressive behavior on file, witnessing by an animal services or law enforcement officer, or other substantial evidence. The section names no breed. A dog is potentially dangerous if, unprovoked, it bites a human or a pet or domestic animal, chases or approaches a person on public ground or behaves in a menacing manner, or has a known propensity to attack. A dog is dangerous when records show it inflicted severe injury or substantial bodily harm on a human without provocation, killed a pet or domestic animal without provocation while off the owner's property, or aggressively bit or attacked after a potentially dangerous finding and written warning. Section 7.04.070(B)(3) bars a declaration where, for example, the person was trespassing, tormenting the dog or committing a crime.

A declaration is in writing, served by certified mail, personally or by publication. The owner or the complaining citizen can request review within ten days, and appeal to the city's hearings examiner within ten days after the written findings. The hearing is de novo, the animal control authority carries the burden by a preponderance of the evidence, the examiner decides within thirty calendar days, and the decision is final, appealable to Thurston County superior court.

Potentially dangerous dogs must be securely leashed off the property and restrained at home. Dangerous dogs must be muzzled and leashed with a person able to control them, and kept inside a locked building, kennel, pen or structure with secure sides, bottom and top. A certificate of registration requires a proper enclosure, a warning sign, a surety bond or liability policy of at least $250,000.00 and an annual fee of $75.00 on top of the license fee.