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WashingtonHB 11492025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Preventing cruelty to animals.

Sponsored By: David Hackney (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Lifetime animal bans and criminal penalties

Beginning July 27, 2025, animal fighting includes knowingly causing a minor to take part in prohibited conduct or helping that conduct. A first animal-fighting conviction permanently bars owning, caring for, possessing, or living with animals. Animals seized from someone under a covered animal ban are immediately and permanently forfeited to the agency holding them. Breaking an animal ban is a misdemeanor for the first violation, a gross misdemeanor for the second, and a class C felony thereafter. These criminal offenses replace the prior civil penalties.

Lower felony class for animal-fighting mutilation

Beginning July 27, 2025, intentionally mutilating an animal to further animal fighting is a class C felony. Previously, it was a class B felony. The law places this offense at seriousness Level IV in Washington’s sentencing table.

Clearer care duties for animal owners

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington sets clearer care duties for animal owners, including people with custody, possession, or control. Food must suit the species and sustain good health, with feeding at least daily unless unsuitable for that species. Animals need accessible drinking water, weather protection, bedding, and medical care needed to prevent or relieve distress. They also need exercise space, suitable temperature and ventilation, regular day-and-night lighting, and reasonably clean surroundings. Shelter and space standards apply to animals generally, not just dogs.

Broader cruelty rules with care exceptions

Beginning July 27, 2025, second-degree animal cruelty includes willfully starting, joining, or furthering cruelty. Neglect rules cover owners and people who possess, control, live with, or accept responsibility for an animal. Failing to provide necessary care, including food or water, is covered when it causes unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain. This neglect must involve knowing, reckless, or criminally negligent conduct and fall below first-degree cruelty. Accepted animal husbandry practices and accepted veterinary procedures performed by licensed veterinarians or certified veterinary technicians are not prohibited.

Earlier help for confined, neglected animals

Beginning July 27, 2025, a person may enter to feed and water a confined domestic animal after more than 24 hours without them. The previous wait was 36 hours. An investigating officer may act sooner with probable cause that the animal’s health or life is in imminent danger. If supplying food and water is extremely difficult, the officer may take the animals into protective custody. Officers may also find abandonment before 24 hours have passed, but must have probable cause.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David Hackney

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Amy Walen

    Democratic • House

  • April Berg

    Democratic • House

  • Darya Farivar

    Democratic • House

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Joe Timmons

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Sam Low

    Republican • House

  • Sharon Wylie

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 228 • No: 12

House vote • 4/17/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 85 • No: 11 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/3/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 47 • No: 1 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/12/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/12/2025House

  2. Chapter 220, 2025 Laws.

    5/12/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/12/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/22/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 85; nays, 11; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/17/2025House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/17/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/3/2025House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/3/2025House

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/3/2025House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/26/2025House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/24/2025House

  14. LAW - Majority; do pass.

    3/20/2025House

  15. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    2/13/2025House

  16. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    2/12/2025House

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2025House

  18. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/12/2025House

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/12/2025House

  20. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/5/2025House

  21. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/17/2025House

  22. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/16/2025House

  23. CS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/16/2025House

  24. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

    1/13/2025House

  25. Introduced

    1/13/2025House

Bill Text

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