Whatcom County and its cities require dogs to be leashed or under control off the owner's property, with licensing and rabies vaccination required. Under RCW 16.08.040, a dog owner is liable for any bite, regardless of the dog's prior history.
Leash and running-at-large rules in Whatcom County are set locally. Unincorporated county code and city ordinances in Bellingham, Lynden, and Ferndale require dogs to be leashed or under control when off the owner's property, with off-leash exercise limited to designated areas. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Statewide, RCW 16.08.040 makes an owner strictly liable for a dog bite that happens in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog's prior viciousness. Owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their dogs on trails and in parks.
Running at large and unlicensed dogs draw citations and impound fees. Under RCW 16.08.040, the owner is civilly liable for damages from a bite even on a first incident.
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See how Whatcom County's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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