MISCELLANEOUS CRIMES

RCW 9.91
in effect

RCW 9.91.010 Denial of civil rights — Terms defined.

Terms used in this section shall have the following definitions: (1)(a) "Every person" shall be construed to include any owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, agent or employee whether one or more natural persons, partnerships, associations, organizations, corporations, cooperatives, legal representatives, trustees, receivers, of this state and its political subdivisions, boards and commissions, engaged in or exercising control over the operation of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement. (b) "Deny" is hereby defined to include any act which directly or indirectly, or by subterfuge, by a person or his or her agent or employee, results or is intended or calculated to result in whole or in part in any discrimination, distinction, restriction, or unequal treatment, or the requiring of any person to pay a larger sum than the uniform rates charged other persons, or the refusing or withholding from any person the admission, patronage, custom, presence, frequenting, dwelling, staying, or lodging in any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement except for conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons, regardless of race, creed, or color. (c) "Full enjoyment of" shall be construed to include the right to purchase any service, commodity, or article of personal property offered or sold on, or by, any establishment to the public, and the admission of any person to accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement, without acts directly or indirectly causing persons of any particular race, creed, or color, to be treated as not welcome, accepted, desired, or solicited. (d) "Any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement" is hereby defined to include, but not to be limited to, any public place, licensed or unlicensed, kept for gain, hire or reward, or where charges are made for admission, service, occupancy or use of any property or facilities, whether conducted for the entertainment, housing, or lodging of transient guests, or for the benefit, use or accommodation of those seeking health, recreation, or rest, or for the sale of goods and merchandise, or for the rendering of personal services, or for public conveyance or transportation on land, water or in the air, including the stations and terminals thereof and the garaging of vehicles, or where food or beverages of any kind are sold for consumption on the premises, or where public amusement, entertainment, sports, or recreation of any kind is offered with or without charge, or where medical service or care is made available, or where the public gathers, congregates, or assembles for amusement, recreation or public purposes, or public halls, public elevators, and public washrooms of buildings and structures occupied by two or more tenants, or by the owner and one or more tenants, or any public library or any educational institution wholly or partially supported by public funds, or schools of special instruction, or nursery schools, or day care centers or children's camps; nothing herein contained shall be construed to include, or apply to, any institute, bona fide club, or place of accommodation, which is by its nature distinctly private provided that where public use is permitted that use shall be covered by this section; nor shall anything herein contained apply to any educational facility operated or maintained by a bona fide religious or sectarian institution; and the right of a natural parent in loco parentis to direct the education and upbringing of a child under his or her control is hereby affirmed. (2) Every person who denies to any other person because of race, creed, or color, the full enjoyment of any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Terms used in this section shall have the following definitions: (1)(a) "Every person" shall be construed to include any owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, agent or employee whether one or more natural persons, partnerships, associations, organizations, corporations, cooperatives, legal representatives, trustees, receivers, of this state and its political subdivisions, boards and commissions, engaged in or exercising control over the operation of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement. (b) "Deny" is hereby defined to include any act which directly or indirectly, or by subterfuge, by a person or his or her agent or employee, results or is intended or calculated to result in whole or in part in any discrimination, distinction, restriction, or unequal treatment, or the requiring of any person to pay a larger sum than the uniform rates charged other persons, or the refusing or withholding from any person the admission, patronage, custom, presence, frequenting, dwelling, staying, or lodging in any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement except for conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons, regardless of race, creed, or color. (c) "Full enjoyment of" shall be construed to include the right to purchase any service, commodity, or article of personal property offered or sold on, or by, any establishment to the public, and the admission of any person to accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement, without acts directly or indirectly causing persons of any particular race, creed, or color, to be treated as not welcome, accepted, desired, or solicited. (d) "Any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement" is hereby defined to include, but not to be limited to, any public place, licensed or unlicensed, kept for gain, hire or reward, or where charges are made for admission, service, occupancy or use of any property or facilities, whether conducted for the entertainment, housing, or lodging of transient guests, or for the benefit, use or accommodation of those seeking health, recreation, or rest, or for the sale of goods and merchandise, or for the rendering of personal services, or for public conveyance or transportation on land, water or in the air, including the stations and terminals thereof and the garaging of vehicles, or where food or beverages of any kind are sold for consumption on the premises, or where public amusement, entertainment, sports, or recreation of any kind is offered with or without charge, or where medical service or care is made available, or where the public gathers, congregates, or assembles for amusement, recreation or public purposes, or public halls, public elevators, and public washrooms of buildings and structures occupied by two or more tenants, or by the owner and one or more tenants, or any public library or any educational institution wholly or partially supported by public funds, or schools of special instruction, or nursery schools, or day care centers or children's camps; nothing herein contained shall be construed to include, or apply to, any institute, bona fide club, or place of accommodation, which is by its nature distinctly private provided that where public use is permitted that use shall be covered by this section; nor shall anything herein contained apply to any educational facility operated or maintained by a bona fide religious or sectarian institution; and the right of a natural parent in loco parentis to direct the education and upbringing of a child under his or her control is hereby affirmed. (2) Every person who denies to any other person because of race, creed, or color, the full enjoyment of any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

RCW 9.91.020 Operating railroad, steamboat, vehicle, etc., while intoxicated.

Every person who, being employed upon any railway, as engineer, motor operator, grip operator, conductor, switch tender, fire tender, bridge tender, flagger, or signal operator, or having charge of stations, starting, regulating, or running trains upon a railway, or being employed as captain, engineer, or other officer of a vessel propelled by steam, or being the driver of any animal or vehicle upon any public highway, street, or other public place, is intoxicated while engaged in the discharge of any such duties, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Every person who, being employed upon any railway, as engineer, motor operator, grip operator, conductor, switch tender, fire tender, bridge tender, flagger, or signal operator, or having charge of stations, starting, regulating, or running trains upon a railway, or being employed as captain, engineer, or other officer of a vessel propelled by steam, or being the driver of any animal or vehicle upon any public highway, street, or other public place, is intoxicated while engaged in the discharge of any such duties, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

RCW 9.91.025 Unlawful transit conduct.

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful transit conduct if, while on or in a transit vehicle or in or at a transit station, he or she knowingly: (a) Smokes or carries a lighted or smoldering pipe, cigar, or cigarette, unless he or she is smoking in an area designated and authorized by the transit authority; (b) Discards litter other than in designated receptacles; (c) Dumps or discards, or both, any materials on or at a transit facility including, but not limited to, hazardous substances and automotive fluids; (d) Plays any radio, recorder, or other sound-producing equipment, except that nothing herein prohibits the use of the equipment when connected to earphones or an ear receiver that limits the sound to an individual listener. The use of public address systems or music systems that are authorized by a transit agency is permitted. The use of communications devices by transit employees and designated contractors or public safety officers in the line of duty is permitted, as is the use of private communications devices used to summon, notify, or communicate with other individuals, such as pagers and cellular phones; (e) Spits, expectorates, urinates, or defecates, except in appropriate plumbing fixtures in restroom facilities; (f) Carries any flammable liquid, explosive, acid, or other article or material likely to cause harm to others, except that nothing herein prevents a person from carrying a cigarette, cigar, or pipe lighter or carrying a firearm or ammunition in a way that is not otherwise prohibited by law; (g) Consumes an alcoholic beverage or is in possession of an open alcoholic beverage container, unless authorized by the transit authority and required permits have been obtained; (h) Obstructs or impedes the flow of transit vehicles or passenger traffic, hinders or prevents access to transit vehicles or stations, or otherwise unlawfully interferes with the provision or use of public transportation services; (i) Unreasonably disturbs others by engaging in loud, raucous, unruly, harmful, or harassing behavior; (j) Destroys, defaces, or otherwise damages property in a transit vehicle or at a transit facility; (k) Throws an object in a transit vehicle, at a transit facility, or at any person at a transit facility with intent to do harm; (l) Possesses an unissued transfer or fare media or tenders an unissued transfer or fare media as proof of fare payment; (m) Falsely claims to be a transit operator or other transit employee or through words, actions, or the use of clothes, insignia, or equipment resembling department-issued uniforms and equipment, creates a false impression that he or she is a transit operator or other transit employee; (n) Engages in gambling or any game of chance for the winning of money or anything of value; (o) Skates on roller skates or in-line skates, or rides in or upon or by any means a coaster, skateboard, toy vehicle, or any similar device. However, a person may walk while wearing skates or carry a skateboard while on or in a transit vehicle or in or at a transit station if that conduct is not otherwise prohibited by law; or (p) Engages in other conduct that is inconsistent with the intended use and purpose of the transit facility, transit station, or transit vehicle and refuses to obey the lawful commands of an agent of the transit authority or a peace officer to cease such conduct. (2) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Transit station" or "transit facility" means all passenger facilities, structures, stops, shelters, bus zones, properties, and rights-of-way of all kinds that are owned, leased, held, or used by a transit authority for the purpose of providing public transportation services. (b) "Transit vehicle" means any motor vehicle, streetcar, train, trolley vehicle, ferry boat, or any other device, vessel, or vehicle that is owned or operated by a transit authority or an entity providing service on behalf of a transit authority that is used for the purpose of carrying passengers on a regular schedule. (c) "Transit authority" means a city transit system under RCW 35.58.2721 or chapter 35.95A RCW, a county transportation authority under chapter 36.57 RCW, a metropolitan municipal corporation transit system under chapter 36.56 RCW, a public transportation benefit area under chapter 36.57A RCW, an unincorporated transportation benefit area under RCW 36.57.100 , a regional transportation authority under chapter 81.112 RCW, the Washington state ferries, or any special purpose district formed to operate a public transportation system. (3) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. (1) A person is guilty of unlawful transit conduct if, while on or in a transit vehicle or in or at a transit station, he or she knowingly: (a) Smokes or carries a lighted or smoldering pipe, cigar, or cigarette, unless he or she is smoking in an area designated and authorized by the transit authority; (b) Discards litter other than in designated receptacles; (c) Dumps or discards, or both, any materials on or at a transit facility including, but not limited to, hazardous substances and automotive fluids; (d) Plays any radio, recorder, or other sound-producing equipment, except that nothing herein prohibits the use of the equipment when connected to earphones or an ear receiver that limits the sound to an individual listener. The use of public address systems or music systems that are authorized by a transit agency is permitted. The use of communications devices by transit employees and designated contractors or public safety officers in the line of duty is permitted, as is the use of private communications devices used to summon, notify, or communicate with other individuals, such as pagers and cellular phones; (e) Spits, expectorates, urinates, or defecates, except in appropriate plumbing fixtures in restroom facilities; (f) Carries any flammable liquid, explosive, acid, or other article or material likely to cause harm to others, except that nothing herein prevents a person from carrying a cigarette, cigar, or pipe lighter or carrying a firearm or ammunition in a way that is not otherwise prohibited by law; (g) Consumes an alcoholic beverage or is in possession of an open alcoholic beverage container, unless authorized by the transit authority and required permits have been obtained; (h) Obstructs or impedes the flow of transit vehicles or passenger traffic, hinders or prevents access to transit vehicles or stations, or otherwise unlawfully interferes with the provision or use of public transportation services; (i) Unreasonably disturbs others by engaging in loud, raucous, unruly, harmful, or harassing behavior; (j) Destroys, defaces, or otherwise damages property in a transit vehicle or at a transit facility; (k) Throws an object in a transit vehicle, at a transit facility, or at any person at a transit facility with intent to do harm; (l) Possesses an unissued transfer or fare media or tenders an unissued transfer or fare media as proof of fare payment; (m) Falsely claims to be a transit operator or other transit employee or through words, actions, or the use of clothes, insignia, or equipment resembling department-issued uniforms and equipment, creates a false impression that he or she is a transit operator or other transit employee; (n) Engages in gambling or any game of chance for the winning of money or anything of value; (o) Skates on roller skates or in-line skates, or rides in or upon or by any means a coaster, skateboard, toy vehicle, or any similar device. However, a person may walk while wearing skates or carry a skateboard while on or in a transit vehicle or in or at a transit station if that conduct is not otherwise prohibited by law; or (p) Engages in other conduct that is inconsistent with the intended use and purpose of the transit facility, transit station, or transit vehicle and refuses to obey the lawful commands of an agent of the transit authority or a peace officer to cease such conduct. (2) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Transit station" or "transit facility" means all passenger facilities, structures, stops, shelters, bus zones, properties, and rights-of-way of all kinds that are owned, leased, held, or used by a transit authority for the purpose of providing public transportation services. (b) "Transit vehicle" means any motor vehicle, streetcar, train, trolley vehicle, ferry boat, or any other device, vessel, or vehicle that is owned or operated by a transit authority or an entity providing service on behalf of a transit authority that is used for the purpose of carrying passengers on a regular schedule. (c) "Transit authority" means a city transit system under RCW 35.58.2721 or chapter 35.95A RCW, a county transportation authority under chapter 36.57 RCW, a metropolitan municipal corporation transit system under chapter 36.56 RCW, a public transportation benefit area under chapter 36.57A RCW, an unincorporated transportation benefit area under RCW 36.57.100 , a regional transportation authority under chapter 81.112 RCW, the Washington state ferries, or any special purpose district formed to operate a public transportation system. (3) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

RCW 9.91.060 Leaving children unattended in parked automobile.

Every person having the care and custody, whether temporary or permanent, of minor children under the age of twelve years, who shall leave such children in a parked automobile unattended by an adult while such person enters a tavern or other premises where vinous, spirituous, or malt liquors are dispensed for consumption on the premises shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Every person having the care and custody, whether temporary or permanent, of minor children under the age of twelve years, who shall leave such children in a parked automobile unattended by an adult while such person enters a tavern or other premises where vinous, spirituous, or malt liquors are dispensed for consumption on the premises shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

RCW 9.91.130 Disposal of trash in charity donation receptacle.

(1) It is unlawful for any person to throw, drop, deposit, discard, or otherwise dispose of any trash, including, but not limited to items that have deteriorated to the extent that they are no longer of monetary value or of use for the purpose they were intended; garbage, including any organic matter; or litter, in or around a receptacle provided by a charitable organization, as defined in RCW 19.09.020 (2), for the donation of clothing, property, or other thing of monetary value to be used for the charitable purposes of such organization. (2) Charitable organizations must post a clearly visible notice on the donation receptacles warning of the existence and content of this section and the penalties for violation of its provisions, as well as a general identification of the items which are appropriate to be deposited in the receptacle. (3) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and the fine for such violation shall be not less than fifty dollars for each offense. (4) Nothing in this section shall preclude a charitable organization which maintains the receptacle from pursuing a civil action and seeking whatever damages were sustained by reason of the violation of the provisions of this section. For a second or subsequent violation of this section, such person shall be liable for treble the amount of damages done by the person, but in no event less than two hundred dollars, and such damages may be recovered in a civil action before any district court judge. (1) It is unlawful for any person to throw, drop, deposit, discard, or otherwise dispose of any trash, including, but not limited to items that have deteriorated to the extent that they are no longer of monetary value or of use for the purpose they were intended; garbage, including any organic matter; or litter, in or around a receptacle provided by a charitable organization, as defined in RCW 19.09.020 (2), for the donation of clothing, property, or other thing of monetary value to be used for the charitable purposes of such organization. (2) Charitable organizations must post a clearly visible notice on the donation receptacles warning of the existence and content of this section and the penalties for violation of its provisions, as well as a general identification of the items which are appropriate to be deposited in the receptacle. (3) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and the fine for such violation shall be not less than fifty dollars for each offense. (4) Nothing in this section shall preclude a charitable organization which maintains the receptacle from pursuing a civil action and seeking whatever damages were sustained by reason of the violation of the provisions of this section. For a second or subsequent violation of this section, such person shall be liable for treble the amount of damages done by the person, but in no event less than two hundred dollars, and such damages may be recovered in a civil action before any district court judge.

RCW 9.91.140 Food stamps — Unlawful sale.

A person who sells food stamps obtained through the program established under RCW 74.04.500 or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, or food purchased therewith, is guilty of the following: (1) A gross misdemeanor if the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred exceeds one hundred dollars; or (2) A misdemeanor if the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred is one hundred dollars or less. A person who sells food stamps obtained through the program established under RCW 74.04.500 or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, or food purchased therewith, is guilty of the following: (1) A gross misdemeanor if the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred exceeds one hundred dollars; or (2) A misdemeanor if the value of the stamps, benefits, or food transferred is one hundred dollars or less.

RCW 9.91.142 Food stamps — Trafficking.

A person who purchases, or who otherwise acquires and sells, or who traffics in, food stamps as defined by the federal food stamp act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 2011 et seq., or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, is guilty of the following: (1) A class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW if the face value of the stamps or benefits exceeds one hundred dollars; or (2) A gross misdemeanor if the face value of the stamps or benefits is one hundred dollars or less. A person who purchases, or who otherwise acquires and sells, or who traffics in, food stamps as defined by the federal food stamp act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 2011 et seq., or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, is guilty of the following: (1) A class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW if the face value of the stamps or benefits exceeds one hundred dollars; or (2) A gross misdemeanor if the face value of the stamps or benefits is one hundred dollars or less.

RCW 9.91.144 Food stamps — Unlawful redemption.

A person who, in violation of 7 U.S.C. Sec. 2024(c), obtains and presents food stamps as defined by the federal food stamp act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 2011 et seq., or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, for redemption or causes such stamps or benefits to be presented for redemption through the program established under RCW 74.04.500 is guilty of a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. A person who, in violation of 7 U.S.C. Sec. 2024(c), obtains and presents food stamps as defined by the federal food stamp act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. Sec. 2011 et seq., or food stamp benefits transferred electronically, for redemption or causes such stamps or benefits to be presented for redemption through the program established under RCW 74.04.500 is guilty of a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

RCW 9.91.150 Tree spiking.

(1) Any person who maliciously drives or places in any tree, forest material, forest debris, or other wood material any iron, steel, ceramic, or other substance sufficiently hard to injure saws or wood processing or manufacturing equipment, for the purpose of hindering logging or timber harvesting activities, is guilty of a class C felony under chapter 9A.20 RCW. (2) Any person who, with the intent to use it in a violation of subsection (1) of this section, possesses any iron, steel, ceramic, or other substance sufficiently hard to injure saws or wood processing or manufacturing equipment is guilty of a gross misdemeanor under chapter 9A.20 RCW. (3) As used in this section the terms "forest debris" and "forest material" have the same meanings as under RCW 76.04.005 . (1) Any person who maliciously drives or places in any tree, forest material, forest debris, or other wood material any iron, steel, ceramic, or other substance sufficiently hard to injure saws or wood processing or manufacturing equipment, for the purpose of hindering logging or timber harvesting activities, is guilty of a class C felony under chapter 9A.20 RCW. (2) Any person who, with the intent to use it in a violation of subsection (1) of this section, possesses any iron, steel, ceramic, or other substance sufficiently hard to injure saws or wood processing or manufacturing equipment is guilty of a gross misdemeanor under chapter 9A.20 RCW. (3) As used in this section the terms "forest debris" and "forest material" have the same meanings as under RCW 76.04.005 .

RCW 9.91.155 Tree spiking — Action for damages.

Any person who is damaged by any act prohibited in RCW 9.91.150 may bring a civil action to recover damages sustained, including a reasonable attorney's fee. A party seeking civil damages under this section may recover upon proof of a violation of the provisions of RCW 9.91.150 by a preponderance of the evidence. Any person who is damaged by any act prohibited in RCW 9.91.150 may bring a civil action to recover damages sustained, including a reasonable attorney's fee. A party seeking civil damages under this section may recover upon proof of a violation of the provisions of RCW 9.91.150 by a preponderance of the evidence.

RCW 9.91.160 Personal protection spray devices.

(1) It is unlawful for a person under eighteen years old, unless the person is at least fourteen years old and has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, to purchase or possess a personal protection spray device. A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor. (2) No town, city, county, special purpose district, quasi-municipal corporation or other unit of government may prohibit a person eighteen years old or older, or a person fourteen years old or older who has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, from purchasing or possessing a personal protection spray device or from using such a device in a manner consistent with the authorized use of force under RCW 9A.16.020 . No town, city, county, special purpose district, quasi-municipal corporation, or other unit of government may prohibit a person eighteen years old or older from delivering a personal protection spray device to a person authorized to possess such a device. (3) For purposes of this section: (a) "Personal protection spray device" means a commercially available dispensing device designed and intended for use in self-defense and containing a nonlethal sternutator or lacrimator agent, including but not limited to: (i) Tear gas, the active ingredient of which is either chloroacetophenone (CN) or O-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS); or (ii) Other agent commonly known as mace, pepper mace, or pepper gas. (b) "Delivering" means actual, constructive, or attempted transferring from one person to another. (4) Nothing in this section authorizes the delivery, purchase, possession, or use of any device or chemical agent that is otherwise prohibited by state law. (1) It is unlawful for a person under eighteen years old, unless the person is at least fourteen years old and has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, to purchase or possess a personal protection spray device. A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor. (2) No town, city, county, special purpose district, quasi-municipal corporation or other unit of government may prohibit a person eighteen years old or older, or a person fourteen years old or older who has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, from purchasing or possessing a personal protection spray device or from using such a device in a manner consistent with the authorized use of force under RCW 9A.16.020 . No town, city, county, special purpose district, quasi-municipal corporation, or other unit of government may prohibit a person eighteen years old or older from delivering a personal protection spray device to a person authorized to possess such a device. (3) For purposes of this section: (a) "Personal protection spray device" means a commercially available dispensing device designed and intended for use in self-defense and containing a nonlethal sternutator or lacrimator agent, including but not limited to: (i) Tear gas, the active ingredient of which is either chloroacetophenone (CN) or O-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS); or (ii) Other agent commonly known as mace, pepper mace, or pepper gas. (b) "Delivering" means actual, constructive, or attempted transferring from one person to another. (4) Nothing in this section authorizes the delivery, purchase, possession, or use of any device or chemical agent that is otherwise prohibited by state law.

RCW 9.91.170 Interfering with dog guide or service animal.

(1)(a) Any person who has received notice that his or her behavior is interfering with the use of a dog guide or service animal who continues with reckless disregard to interfere with the use of a dog guide or service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the dog guide or service animal user or his or her dog guide or service animal is guilty of a misdemeanor, except as provided in (b) of this subsection. (b) A second or subsequent violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor. (2)(a) Any person who, with reckless disregard, allows his or her dog to interfere with the use of a dog guide or service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the dog guide or service animal user or his or her dog guide or service animal is guilty of a misdemeanor, except as provided in (b) of this subsection. (b) A second or subsequent violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor. (3) Any person who, with reckless disregard, injures, disables, or causes the death of a dog guide or service animal is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (4) Any person who, with reckless disregard, allows his or her dog to injure, disable, or cause the death of a dog guide or service animal is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (5) Any person who intentionally injures, disables, or causes the death of a dog guide or service animal is guilty of a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (6) Any person who wrongfully obtains or exerts unauthorized control over a dog guide or service animal with the intent to deprive the dog guide or service animal user of his or her dog guide or service animal is guilty of theft in the first degree, RCW 9A.56.030 . (7)(a) In any case in which the defendant is convicted of a violation of this section, he or she shall also be ordered to make full restitution for all damages, including incidental and consequential expenses incurred by the dog guide or service animal user and the dog guide or service animal which arise out of or are related to the criminal offense. (b) Restitution for a conviction under this section shall include, but is not limited to: (i) The value of the replacement of an incapacitated or deceased dog guide or service animal, the training of a replacement dog guide or service animal, or retraining of the affected dog guide or service animal and all related veterinary and care expenses; and (ii) Medical expenses of the dog guide or service animal user, training of the dog guide or service animal user, and compensation for wages or earned income lost by the dog guide or service animal user. (8) Nothing in this section shall affect any civil remedies available for violation of this section. (9) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (a) "Dog guide" means a dog that is trained or in training for the purpose of guiding blind persons or a dog trained or in training for the purpose of assisting hearing impaired persons. (b) "Service animal" means an animal that is trained or in training for the purposes of assisting or accommodating a disabled person's sensory, mental, or physical disability. (c) "Notice" means a verbal or otherwise communicated warning prescribing the behavior of another person and a request that the person stop their behavior. (d) "Value" means the value to the dog guide or service animal user and does not refer to cost or fair market value. (1)(a) Any person who has received notice that his or her behavior is interfering with the use of a dog guide or service animal who continues with reckless disregard to interfere with the use of a dog guide or service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the dog guide or service animal user or his or her dog guide or service animal is guilty of a misdemeanor, except as provided in (b) of this subsection. (b) A second or subsequent violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor. (2)(a) Any person who, with reckless disregard, allows his or her dog to interfere with the use of a dog guide or service animal by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the dog guide or service animal user or his or her dog guide or service animal is guilty of a misdemeanor, except as provided in (b) of this subsection. (b) A second or subsequent violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor. (3) Any person who, with reckless disregard, injures, disables, or causes the death of a dog guide or service animal is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (4) Any person who, with reckless disregard, allows his or her dog to injure, disable, or cause the death of a dog guide or service animal is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (5) Any person who intentionally injures, disables, or causes the death of a dog guide or service animal is guilty of a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (6) Any person who wrongfully obtains or exerts unauthorized control over a dog guide or service animal with the intent to deprive the dog guide or service animal user of his or her dog guide or service animal is guilty of theft in the first degree, RCW 9A.56.030 . (7)(a) In any case in which the defendant is convicted of a violation of this section, he or she shall also be ordered to make full restitution for all damages, including incidental and consequential expenses incurred by the dog guide or service animal user and the dog guide or service animal which arise out of or are related to the criminal offense. (b) Restitution for a conviction under this section shall include, but is not limited to: (i) The value of the replacement of an incapacitated or deceased dog guide or service animal, the training of a replacement dog guide or service animal, or retraining of the affected dog guide or service animal and all related veterinary and care expenses; and (ii) Medical expenses of the dog guide or service animal user, training of the dog guide or service animal user, and compensation for wages or earned income lost by the dog guide or service animal user. (8) Nothing in this section shall affect any civil remedies available for violation of this section. (9) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (a) "Dog guide" means a dog that is trained or in training for the purpose of guiding blind persons or a dog trained or in training for the purpose of assisting hearing impaired persons. (b) "Service animal" means an animal that is trained or in training for the purposes of assisting or accommodating a disabled person's sensory, mental, or physical disability. (c) "Notice" means a verbal or otherwise communicated warning prescribing the behavior of another person and a request that the person stop their behavior. (d) "Value" means the value to the dog guide or service animal user and does not refer to cost or fair market value.

RCW 9.91.175 Interfering with search and rescue dog.

(1)(a)(i) Any person who has received notice that his or her behavior is interfering with the use of an on-duty search and rescue dog who continues with reckless disregard to interfere with the use of an on-duty search and rescue dog by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the search and rescue dog user or his or her search and rescue dog is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW, except when (a)(ii) of this subsection applies. (ii) A second or subsequent violation of (a)(i) of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (b)(i) Any person who, with reckless disregard, allows his or her dog to interfere with the use of an on-duty search and rescue dog by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the search and rescue dog user or his or her search and rescue dog is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW, except when (b)(ii) of this subsection applies. (ii) A second or subsequent violation of (b)(i) of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (2)(a) Any person who, with reckless disregard, injures, disables, or causes the death of an on-duty search and rescue dog is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (b) Any person who, with reckless disregard, allows his or her dog to injure, disable, or cause the death of an on-duty search and rescue dog is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (3) Any person who intentionally injures, disables, or causes the death of an on-duty search and rescue dog is guilty of a class C felony. (4) Any person who wrongfully obtains or exerts unauthorized control over an on-duty search and rescue dog with the intent to deprive the dog user of his or her search and rescue dog is guilty of theft in the first degree under RCW 9A.56.030 . (5)(a) In any case in which the defendant is convicted of a violation of this section, he or she shall also be ordered to make full restitution for all damages, including incidental and consequential expenses incurred by the search and rescue dog user and the dog that arise out of, or are related to, the criminal offense. (b) Restitution for a conviction under this section shall include, but is not limited to: (i) The value of the replacement of an incapacitated or deceased dog, the training of a replacement search and rescue dog, or retraining of the affected dog and all related veterinary and care expenses; and (ii) Medical expenses of the search and rescue dog user, training of the dog user, and compensation for any wages or earned income lost by the search and rescue dog user as a result of a violation of subsection (1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section. (6) Nothing in this section affects any civil remedies available for violation of this section. (7) For purposes of this section, "search and rescue dog" means a dog that is trained for the purpose of search and rescue of persons lost or missing. (1)(a)(i) Any person who has received notice that his or her behavior is interfering with the use of an on-duty search and rescue dog who continues with reckless disregard to interfere with the use of an on-duty search and rescue dog by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the search and rescue dog user or his or her search and rescue dog is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW, except when (a)(ii) of this subsection applies. (ii) A second or subsequent violation of (a)(i) of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (b)(i) Any person who, with reckless disregard, allows his or her dog to interfere with the use of an on-duty search and rescue dog by obstructing, intimidating, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety of the search and rescue dog user or his or her search and rescue dog is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW, except when (b)(ii) of this subsection applies. (ii) A second or subsequent violation of (b)(i) of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (2)(a) Any person who, with reckless disregard, injures, disables, or causes the death of an on-duty search and rescue dog is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (b) Any person who, with reckless disregard, allows his or her dog to injure, disable, or cause the death of an on-duty search and rescue dog is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. (3) Any person who intentionally injures, disables, or causes the death of an on-duty search and rescue dog is guilty of a class C felony. (4) Any person who wrongfully obtains or exerts unauthorized control over an on-duty search and rescue dog with the intent to deprive the dog user of his or her search and rescue dog is guilty of theft in the first degree under RCW 9A.56.030 . (5)(a) In any case in which the defendant is convicted of a violation of this section, he or she shall also be ordered to make full restitution for all damages, including incidental and consequential expenses incurred by the search and rescue dog user and the dog that arise out of, or are related to, the criminal offense. (b) Restitution for a conviction under this section shall include, but is not limited to: (i) The value of the replacement of an incapacitated or deceased dog, the training of a replacement search and rescue dog, or retraining of the affected dog and all related veterinary and care expenses; and (ii) Medical expenses of the search and rescue dog user, training of the dog user, and compensation for any wages or earned income lost by the search and rescue dog user as a result of a violation of subsection (1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section. (6) Nothing in this section affects any civil remedies available for violation of this section. (7) For purposes of this section, "search and rescue dog" means a dog that is trained for the purpose of search and rescue of persons lost or missing.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.91&full=trueFetched: 6/28/2026

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