The city would like to remind community members and visitors that it is a civil violation for the owner or person having charge, care, custody or control of any animal, with the exception of domestic, licensed cats, to allow such animal to run at large. Beginning August 1, the city will step up efforts to educate and cite offenders of the city’s leash laws, MTMC 6.30.100 in the Animal Control and Care Chapter.
This action comes in follow up to concerns raised at the July 15 City Council meeting. The Police Department, Parks Department and City Manager’s Office met to discuss the issue of dogs running at large in the city. Residents have expressed safety concerns about dogs approaching people as well as their leashed pets and asked for information about reporting these incidents as well as city enforcement.
The only area where dogs are allowed to run at large is the city’s Off-Leash Dog Park located at 5303 228th Street SW, just north of the Recreation Pavilion. This area is open daily from dawn until dusk unless otherwise posted.
If you witness off leash dogs, please call 9-1-1 to report if the situation is emergent or the non-emergency number (425) 407-3999 for general reporting.
Failure to leash animals as required by city code is a civil offense and offenders may be fined $200 per dog. The fourth violation becomes a misdemeanor offense. In addition to leashing your pets, the city would like to remind residents and visitors to Mountlake Terrace to pick up pet waste so it does not end up in our streams.
For questions, please contact Animal Control Officer Elena McKee at (425) 744-6256 or emckee@ci.mlt.wa.us.
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