2019/10/23 Council Agenda Packet

Deb Williams From: Lori Cummings Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2019 11:05 AM To: DL-Council Cc: Cassie Franklin; Lyle Ryan; Nick Harper; Glynis Frederiksen; Kimberly Shelton Subject: Council Briefing October 23rd - Dangerous Dog EMC Amendments On October 23rd Glynis Frederiksen, Animal Services Manager will present a briefing at City Council on proposed changes to Everett Municipal Code (EMC) 6.08, the Chapter regarding Dangerous Dogs.This email is intended to provide you an overview. Why are there proposed changes to EMC 6.08? In part the code revision work was driven by a change made to RCW 16.08 by the Washington State legislature which requires the City of Everett to amend Everett Municipal Code 6.08 prior to the effective date of the new law,January 1, 2020.The new law prohibits local governments from regulating dogs based on their breed (RCW 16.08.110). In the EMC Everett currently classifies pit bulls and pit bull mixes as "Potentially Dangerous" and imposes certain restrictions on these types of dogs. In addition to complying with Washington State law,staff also believe this is the right time and opportunity to strengthen enforcement tools and improve operational efficiencies by proposing other code changes to Chapter 6.08. Changes proposed can be categorized as: • Elimination of language inconsistent with State law effective January 1, 2020 • Substantive changes to language to strengthen enforcement tools and improve operational efficiencies • Housekeeping Staff Work Animal Services and Legal Department staff have researched other municipal ordinances, best practices, industry standards, data from other jurisdictions and consulted with the Animal Shelter Advisory Board.At the September 25, 2019 Animal Shelter Advisory Board meeting members voted to recommend City Council support the Chapter 6.08 amendments as proposed. Summary of Changes • Removes reference to breed-specific language • Strengthens enforcement tools to address chronic offenders and problem dogs • Allows the Animal Control Manager to review appeals of declarations of dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs, prior to appeal to Everett Municipal Court • Allows owners of Potentially Dangerous Dogs to appeal after 36 months if no further violations ("good behavior")for consideration to have classification amended or removed • Housekeeping changes • Allows resident verbal complaints to be acceptable in addition to written complaints • Requires spay or neutering for dogs who have been deemed under the EMC as"Dangerous" or"Potentially Dangerous". • Adds language requiring owners to notify the city of Everett if a dog that has been deemed "Dangerous" or "Potentially Dangerous" in a different jurisdiction moves into the City of Everett or if there is a change of status 'f you have questions or want more information prior to the city council meeting Glynis Frederiksen can be reached at gfrederi@everettwa.gov or 425-257-6013 or I can be reached at lcummings@everettwa.gov or 425-257-8353. 1