Washington § 16.08.020 - Dogs injuring stock may be killed.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 16.08.020 — Dogs injuring stock may be killed., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16.08.020. Dogs injuring stock may be killed.

It shall be lawful for any person who shall see any dog or dogs chasing, biting, injuring or killing any sheep, swine or other domestic animal, including poultry, belonging to such person, on any real property owned or leased by, or under the control of, such person, or on any public highway, to kill such dog or dogs, and it shall be the duty of the owner or keeper of any dog or dogs so found chasing, biting or injuring any domestic animal, including poultry, upon being notified of that fact by the owner of such domestic animals or poultry, to thereafter keep such dog or dogs in leash or confined upon the premises of the owner or keeper thereof, and in case any such owner or keeper of a dog or dogs shall fail or neglect to comply with the provisions of this section, it shall be lawful for the owner of such domestic animals or poultry to kill such dog or dogs found running at large.
[ 1929 c 198 s 6; RRS s 3107. Prior: 1919 c 6 s 6; 1917 c 161 s 6; RCS s 3107.]

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 16.08.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 16.08.020 cover?

Section 16.08.020 ("Dogs injuring stock may be killed.") 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.

How do I cite Washington § 16.08.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 16.08.020" (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 § 16.08.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.