Richland, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Richland regulates dangerous animals by behavior, not breed. Under RMC § 7.03.320(A), the poundmaster may declare any animal "potentially dangerous" or "dangerous" upon probable cause that it meets the definitions in RMC § 7.03.010, for example inflicting severe injury without provocation, killing another domestic animal or livestock without provocation, or biting or endangering after a prior potentially-dangerous finding. The declaration is served on the owner in writing, personally or by certified mail. An owner who disagrees has 10 business days under subsection (C) to appeal in writing to the city clerk's office, and the city files the appeal at its own expense with the Benton County district court; if the court doesn't find a preponderance of evidence supporting the declaration, it is rescinded and no court costs are assessed against the owner.

To keep a declared animal, RMC § 7.03.320(F) requires an annual permit costing $250.00, a proper enclosure approved by the poundmaster, a conspicuously posted warning sign, and either a $250,000 surety bond or liability insurance of at least $250,000 with no more than a $2,500 deductible, naming the city as an additional insured. Away from the owner's property, a potentially dangerous animal must be securely leashed and under a capable handler's control; on the property it must be confined by a proper enclosure. A fully "dangerous" animal must additionally be muzzled whenever it's off the property.

Violating any part of RMC § 7.03.320 is a gross misdemeanor, and a dangerous dog found in violation of its permit terms can be confiscated, giving the owner a 20-day window to correct the deficiency.