Pierce County, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed ban
- None
- Basis for danger
- Behavior, not breed
- State limit
- RCW 16.08.100
- Declaration process
- PCC Chapter 6.07
- 2019 WA law
- Limits breed-based rules
Summary
Pierce County has no breed-specific ban. Dangerous-dog status is determined by an animal's behavior, not its breed, under PCC Chapter 6.07, and Washington law (RCW 16.08.100) bars proving a dog dangerous solely by showing it to be a particular breed.
The state may not meet its burden of proof that the owner should have known the dog was potentially dangerous solely by showing the dog to be a particular breed or breeds.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Pierce County maintains no breed-specific ban (no pit-bull or other breed prohibition in Title 6). Instead, PCC Chapter 6.07 lets the animal-control authority declare an individual animal 'dangerous' or 'potentially dangerous' based on conduct, bites, attacks, or menacing behavior defined in PCC 6.02.010, following a written declaration and appeal process. This conduct-based approach is reinforced by state law. Under RCW 16.08.100(3), the state 'may not meet its burden of proof that the owner should have known the dog was potentially dangerous solely by showing the dog to be a particular breed or breeds.'
Violations & Fines
Owning a dog that has been declared dangerous without meeting the PCC 6.07 registration, enclosure, and control requirements, or moving or bringing in a declared dangerous animal in violation of the code, can be charged up to a
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pierce County ban pit bulls or any breed?
Can breed alone make my dog 'dangerous'?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
How Pierce County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
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