Washington § 16.04.010 - Trespassing animals — Restraint — Damages and costs.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 16.04.010 — Trespassing animals — Restraint — Damages and costs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16.04.010. Trespassing animals — Restraint — Damages and costs.

Any person suffering damage done by any horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, or any such animals, which shall either trespass upon any land enclosed by lawful fence as provided in chapter 16.60 RCW or trespass while running at large in violation of chapter 16.24 RCW may retain and keep in custody such offending animals until the owner or person having possession of such animals shall pay such damage and costs, or until good and sufficient security be given for the same.
[ 1989 c 286 s 1; 1925 ex.s. c 56 s 1; 1893 c 31 s 1; RRS s 3090.]

Notes

Severability—1989 c 286: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1989 c 286 s 26.]
Damages to stock on unfenced railroad: RCW 81.52.050 through 81.52.070.
Pleading answer in action to recover property distrained: RCW 4.36.140.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 16.04.010

What does Revised Code of Washington § 16.04.010 cover?

Section 16.04.010 ("Trespassing animals — Restraint — Damages and costs.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 16.04.010" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 16.04.010 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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