Leash laws, $250 fines and other laws to know as a dog owner, according to Whatcom experts

Owning a dog involves more than feeding and walking them. There are responsibilities and rules that come with having a furry friend.

Whether you’re not sure if your dog needs to be leashed, you want to know your rights if you are attacked by a dog, or you’re not sure of the legal consequences for certain regulations, we have talked to experts to answer your questions.

The Bellingham Herald reached out to local experts to answer your dog questions and find out what you need to know about having a dog with you in the city.

The Herald received important advice and regulations that dog owners should know, in an email from Steve Janiszewski, city of Bellingham Park Operations Manager:

Question: In the city of Bellingham, are dogs required to be on leashes when they are in public areas? How do I know if dogs should be leashed?

Answer: Yes. All dogs in city parks must be under control by means of being on leash at all times (the responsible person must be in possession of one leash per dog at all times) unless in an area designated for dog exercise and training.

Under control is defined as: That the responsible person/owner, by means of a leash, restrains the animal dog to the responsible person’s/owner’s immediate proximity, preventing the animal dog from coming into physical contact with another animal or person, trespassing upon property or provoking, annoying or chasing other persons, wildlife, animals or vehicles of any sort. An animal is presumed not to have been under control if injury, harassment, trespass or damage has occurred.

Bellingham park regulations are posted with information on areas available on the city parks website.

Q: Are there any consequences for citizens who do not have leashes on their dogs in public areas?

A: Yes. Dog regulations are enforced by the Whatcom County Animal Control officers. Repeated violations are designated as civil infractions. Violators of the leash law can be ticketed and fined up to $250.

Q: As a dog owner, what do I need to know about owning a dog in the city of Bellingham?

A: Get your dog licensed and vaccinated against rabies through the Whatcom Humane Society.

Be respectful of others by keeping your dog on a leash. Ultimately, you are responsible for your dog. Some members of the public are fearful of dogs and do not want your dog running toward them or jumping up on them or their children. Always pick up your dog’s waste. Carry dog bags with you. If you forget, there are 65 dog waste stations located around the city in parks and at popular trailheads.

Laura Clark, executive director of the Whatcom Humane Society, also emailed The Herald to help dog owners know their responsibilities and rights:

Q: What are my rights if someone else’s unleashed dog charges me or harms me in a public place?

A: Two different questions so the answers depend on each individual situation. If a resident or their dog is bit or injured by another dog in a public place or feel threatened by a dog in a public place, the best course of action is to first get themselves to a safe place/location to stop any further incidents. Then contact the Whatcom Humane Society animal control department and report the incident.

If the incident occurs after-hours, contact 911 and a Whatcom Humane Society animal control officer will be contacted to respond. If you know the owner of the dog, the location of where the dog lives or other information that is helpful for animal control, please provide this. A license plate of a car, plus a description of the dog is extremely helpful if no other information is available. This will help animal control personnel follow up and determine what next steps need to be taken.

Q: What are my rights if my neighbor’s dog enters my property and defecates?

A: If a stray dog enters private property the property owner can contain the dog and contact animal control to pick the dog up and impound him/her at the Whatcom Humane Society. The animal’s owner would then be responsible for redeeming the dog and paying applicable impound, board and licensing fees, set by the city. Fees start at $40 for first instance, according to the city website.

Q: As a dog owner, what do I need to know about owning a dog in Whatcom County?

A: Dog owners should be familiar with local leash laws, park regulations and license their dogs. Licensing is done through the Whatcom Humane Society and dogs must be current on their rabies vaccination. “Bellingham is a wonderful dog-friendly community, but owners should be mindful and responsible when having their dogs in public spaces,” she wrote.