Washington RCW 16.30 bans dangerous wild animals statewide including big cats, bears, wolves, primates, and venomous reptiles. KMC 8.09 enforces locally. Penalties run 200 to 2,000 per animal per day.
Exotic pet keeping in Kirkland is governed primarily by Washington RCW 16.30 (Dangerous Wild Animals Act), which took effect in July 2007 and broadly prohibits possession, purchase, sale, breeding, and transfer of dangerous wild animals. The banned categories include large cats (lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, cheetahs, jaguars), bears (except certain grandfathered black bears), wolves and wolf hybrids, nonhuman primates (chimpanzees, orangutans, monkeys), venomous reptiles, Gila monsters, crocodilians, and hybrids of banned species. Grandfathered owners who registered before 2007 may keep existing animals but not acquire new ones. Penalties under RCW 16.30 are 200 to 2,000 dollars per animal per day plus seizure. KMC 8.09 allows Kirkland animal control to enforce state law locally and impound non-compliant animals. Native Washington wildlife (raccoons, fawns, raptors) cannot be kept without a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife permit under WAC 220-450. Ferrets, sugar gliders, non-venomous snakes, and most parrots remain legal.
RCW 16.30 violations are 200 to 2,000 dollars per animal per day plus mandatory seizure. Native wildlife violations under WAC 220-450 are misdemeanors with seizure and restitution.
Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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