Exotic animals are prohibited in unincorporated King County under KCC 11.04.234 and Chapter 11.28, consistent with Washington State law RCW 16.30. Prohibited species include nondomesticated felines, canines (wolf hybrids), primates, dangerous snakes, and crocodilians. Violations result in impoundment.
KCC 11.04.234 prohibits harboring, keeping, or maintaining exotic animals in unincorporated King County unless an exception under RCW 16.30.020 applies. Chapter 11.28 of the King County Code is specifically entitled 'Exotic Animals' and contains detailed prohibitions. Under KCC 11.01.160, exotic animals are defined as species of snakes capable of inflicting serious harm or death, nonhuman primates and prosimians, nondomesticated felines, nondomesticated canines and their hybrids (including wolf and coyote hybrids), and any species within the order Crocodylia. Exceptions under state law include USDA-licensed facilities, accredited zoos, educational institutions, and individuals who possessed the animal before the law took effect. An exotic animal harbored in violation of this section is subject to impoundment by Regional Animal Services. Several contracted cities have also adopted King County's exotic animal provisions.
Exotic animal kept in violation of KCC 11.04.234: subject to impoundment. Violation is an infraction under KCC Title 11 with associated fines.
King County, WA
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