Washington § 43.44.120 - Premises with guard animals — Registration, posting — Acts permitted firefighters — Liability for injury to firefighters.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 43.44.120 — Premises with guard animals — Registration, posting — Acts permitted firefighters — Liability for injury to firefighters., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 43.44.120. Premises with guard animals — Registration, posting — Acts permitted firefighters — Liability for injury to firefighters.

(1) All premises guarded by guard animals, which are animals professionally trained to defend and protect premises or the occupants of the premises, shall be registered with the local fire department. Front entrances to residences and all entrances to business premises shall be posted in a visible location with signs approved by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, indicating that guard animals are present.
(2) A firefighter, who reasonably believes that his or her safety is endangered by the presence of a guard animal, may without liability: (a) Refuse to enter the premises, or (b) take any reasonable action necessary to protect himself or herself from attack by the guard animal.
(3) If the person responsible for the guard animal being on the premises does not comply with subsection (1) of this section, that person may be held liable for any injury to the firefighter caused by the presence of the guard animal.
[ 1995 c 369 s 35; 1986 c 266 s 90; 1983 c 258 s 1. Formerly RCW 48.48.150.]

Notes

Effective date—1995 c 369: See note following RCW 43.43.930.
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 43.44.120

What does Revised Code of Washington § 43.44.120 cover?

Section 43.44.120 ("Premises with guard animals — Registration, posting — Acts permitted firefighters — Liability for injury to firefighters.") 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 § 43.44.120" (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?

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