Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 7.08 (Dog Control) requires that dogs be licensed annually and kept 'under control' as defined in BMC 7.04.030. Dogs must not roam, run, stray, or be away from the owner's premises unless physically restrained. BMC 8.04.070 (Restrictions on animals in parks) requires dogs in city parks to be on a leash held by a person, except in designated off-leash areas. Washington state rabies vaccination is required for licensing. Dangerous-dog rules under BMC 7.08.130-7.08.170 layer state Chapter 16.08 RCW requirements on top of the city's leash and control framework.
Bellingham's dog-control framework is Chapter 7.08 (Dog Control) of the Bellingham Municipal Code, supplemented by definitions in BMC 7.04.030 and park rules in BMC 8.04.070. BMC 7.08.010 requires every dog over a certain age to be licensed annually with the City; current proof of rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian is a prerequisite for licensure (consistent with statewide Washington veterinary practice and Chapter 246-100 WAC). Under the BMC 7.04.030 definition of 'leash' - a cord, strap, chain, or other physical means of sufficient strength so that the animal is controlled by the person accompanying it - dogs must be physically restrained whenever they are off the owner's premises. BMC 7.08 makes it unlawful for the owner of any dog to cause, permit, or allow such dog to roam, run, stray, or to be away from the premises of such owner unless the dog is 'under control' (which in practice means leashed and in the immediate presence of a person able to control it). Off-leash exceptions exist only in officially designated off-leash recreation areas - Bellingham operates several including Lake Padden's off-leash area; in all other city parks BMC 8.04.070 requires that dogs be on a leash held by a person and that the leash not exceed the length specified in the park rules. BMC 7.08.110 makes infractions of the dog-control chapter civil infractions with monetary penalties, while criminal violations (e.g., dangerous dog at large) are gross misdemeanors. BMC 7.08.130 establishes the procedure for declaring a dog 'potentially dangerous' or 'dangerous,' tracking the definitions in Chapter 16.08 RCW. BMC 7.08.160 provides for a disposition hearing. BMC 7.08.170 (Dangerous dogs - Restrictions - Violation) requires the owner of a declared dangerous dog to register the dog under Chapter 16.08 RCW, confine it in a 'proper enclosure' (defined in RCW 16.08.080), muzzle and substantial-leash restraint when off premises with control by an adult, microchip implantation by Animal Control, conspicuous warning signs, and an annual $100 dangerous-dog registration fee per location in addition to standard licensing. BMC 7.08.170 violations are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or 364 days in jail. Whatcom Humane Society holds the City of Bellingham animal-control services contract; field officers respond to off-leash, bite, and welfare calls (360-733-2080).
Allowing a dog to roam, run, stray, or be away from the owner's premises without being on a leash and under control is an infraction under BMC 7.08, enforced by Whatcom Humane Society Animal Control under contract with the City. BMC 7.08.110 sets civil infraction penalties for at-large, unlicensed, and uncontrolled dogs. Dogs in city parks must be on a leash held by a person under BMC 8.04.070, except in designated off-leash areas; off-leash in a leash-required park is a park-rule infraction. A dog declared dangerous under BMC 7.08.130/7.08.170 that is found outside its proper enclosure without a muzzle and substantial leash restraint, or whose owner has failed to comply with the registration, microchipping, posting, or annual $100 fee requirements, is a gross misdemeanor under BMC 7.08.170 punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or 364 days in jail. Field enforcement: Whatcom Humane Society Animal Control 360-733-2080.
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