If you have witnessed your neighbor's dog off its property without a leash, a notice of infraction may be issued as explained below.
The ordinance of Unincorporated Pierce County requires a written statement from a citizen who is willing to testify that the animal has been allowed to be off its owner's property, not controlled by its owner, custodian, or a competent person by a leash.
REQUIREMENTS: State the offense in detail, listing all the information below:
- Each witness shall give his/her first and last name, address, and zip code together with home and business phone, if applicable.
- Each witness must have personal knowledge of pertinent facts as they relate to the alleged offense. A person should not consider himself/herself a witness unless they have personally observed occurrences relating to the incident(s). All witnesses submitting statements will be expected to be available to testify in open court at the request of the dog owner.
- Each witness must write a full statement as to the facts constituting the offense. Each witness must list specific instances, dates, and times of violations that have occurred within the past year (i.e., 'on July 11, 2002, the black lab named 'Joe' was running down the street, in my yard, defecating, dumping garbage, etc.'). It is best to describe at least three separate incidents that you have witnessed and have notified the owner that there is a problem with their dog running loose.
- Include the breed of dog(s) (i.e., German Shepherd, Doberman, Rottweiler, Labrador Mix, etc.), color, size, sex (if known), and name of dog(s).
- Name, address, and phone number of animal owner to be included.
All witness statements, addresses, and names will be verified by Pierce County Animal Services for completeness of information.
PROCEDURE: A Pierce County Animal Control Officer will review the statements together with phone complaints that have been received and investigate the situation.
