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Yakima, WA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Former pit bull law
Ch. 6.18, repealed
Repealing ordinance
Ord. 2018-029
Current standard
Behavior-based, not breed-based
Declaration authority
Animal control officer
Appeal window
10 days to request hearing

Summary

Yakima repealed its breed-specific pit bull ordinance in 2018 and now regulates dogs solely by individual conduct: any dog, regardless of breed, can be declared dangerous under Yakima Municipal Code § 6.20.010 and § 6.20.135.

“Dangerous dog” means any dog that: (A) Unprovoked, inflicts severe injury or serious physical injury on a human being; or (B) Unprovoked and while at large or off the owner’s property, kills a domestic animal; inflicts injury(ies) requiring a domestic animal to be euthanized; ... [Ordinance disposition table] 2018-029: Repeals Ch. 6.18, pit bull dogs (Repealer)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).

Full Breakdown

Yakima once had a standalone pit bull ordinance, former Chapter 6.18, but the city council repealed it outright through Ordinance 2018-029. In its place, Yakima now uses a breed-neutral 'dangerous dog' and 'potentially dangerous dog' classification system under Municipal Code § 6.20.010(14) and § 6.20.135: any dog of any breed can be declared dangerous based on documented behavior, such as inflicting a serious injury unprovoked, killing a domestic animal while at large, or biting while under quarantine. An animal control officer investigates and issues a written declaration, which the owner can contest at a hearing before the Yakima Municipal Court within ten days.

Violations & Fines

There is no penalty for breed alone; a dog declared dangerous based on conduct instead faces mandatory euthanasia or relocation, plus strict confinement, insurance, and registration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Yakima ban pit bulls?
No. The city repealed its pit bull-specific ordinance (former Chapter 6.18) via Ordinance 2018-029 and now classifies any dog as dangerous based on documented behavior, not breed.
Can any breed of dog be declared dangerous in Yakima?
Yes. Yakima Municipal Code § 6.20.010(14) defines 'dangerous dog' by conduct, like unprovoked injury or killing another animal, applying equally to every breed.

Sources & Official References

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How Yakima compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview

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