RCW 16.52.095
Certain veterinary procedures—Misdemeanor.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, it is a misdemeanor:
(a) For any person to cut off more than one-half of the ear or ears of any domestic animal such as an ox, cow, bull, calf, sheep, goat, or hog; or
(b) For any person to:
(i) Devocalize a dog;
(ii) Crop or cut off any part of the ear of a dog; or
(iii) Crop or cut off any part of the tail of a dog that is seven days old or older, or has opened its eyes, whichever occurs sooner.
(2) This section does not apply if the person performing the procedure is a licensed veterinarian utilizing accepted veterinary surgical protocols that may include local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or perioperative pain management.
[ 2020 c 158 § 4; 1994 c 261 § 7; Code 1881 § 840; 1871 p 103 § 1; RRS § 3206. Formerly RCW 16.52.090, part.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 16 - Animals and Livestock
Chapter 16.52 - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
16.52.011 - Definitions—Principles of liability.
16.52.015 - Enforcement—Law enforcement agencies and animal care and control agencies.
16.52.020 - Humane societies—Enforcement authority.
16.52.025 - Humane societies—Animal control officers.
16.52.080 - Transporting or confining in unsafe manner—Penalty.
16.52.085 - Removal of animals for feeding and care—Examination—Notice—Euthanasia.
16.52.090 - Docking horses—Misdemeanor.
16.52.095 - Certain veterinary procedures—Misdemeanor.
16.52.100 - Confinement without food and water—Intervention by others.
16.52.117 - Animal fighting—Prohibited behavior—Penalty—Exceptions.
16.52.180 - Limitations on application of chapter.
16.52.185 - Exclusions from chapter.
16.52.190 - Poisoning animals—Penalty.
16.52.193 - Poisoning animals—Strychnine sales—Records—Report on suspected purchases.
16.52.200 - Sentences—Forfeiture of animals—Liability for costs—Penalty—Education, counseling.
16.52.205 - Animal cruelty in the first degree.
16.52.207 - Animal cruelty in the second degree—Penalty.
16.52.210 - Destruction of animal by law enforcement officer—Immunity from liability.
16.52.220 - Transfers of mammals for research—Certification requirements—Pet animals.
16.52.225 - Nonambulatory livestock—Transporting or accepting delivery—Gross misdemeanor—Definition.
16.52.230 - Remedies not impaired.
16.52.300 - Dogs or cats used as bait—Seizure—Limitation.
16.52.305 - Unlawful use of hook—Gross misdemeanor.
16.52.330 - Veterinarians—Animal cruelty—Liability immunity.