The bill ESHB 1149 amends Washington's animal cruelty laws to enhance the definitions and standards of care for animals. It introduces detailed definitions for "necessary food," "necessary medical attention," "necessary sanitation," "necessary shelter," "necessary space," and "necessary water," establishing clearer guidelines for animal care. The bill also clarifies the roles of animal control and humane officers in enforcing these standards and outlines procedures for seizing animals suspected of cruelty or neglect. Notably, it allows officers to enter private property without a warrant if an animal is in imminent danger and requires owners to be notified of their rights regarding seized animals.

Additionally, the bill reduces the time frame for impounding animals without food and water from thirty-six hours to twenty-four hours and strengthens penalties for animal fighting and cruelty, including prohibitions on owning animals for convicted individuals. It introduces new legal language regarding animal fighting, specifying intentional and non-intentional mutilation, and includes a comprehensive list of various offenses to better categorize criminal behavior. The bill was passed by both the House and Senate in April 2025 and approved by the Governor in May 2025, reflecting a significant effort to enhance animal welfare protections in Washington.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 16.52.011, 16.52.085, 16.52.100, 16.52.117, 16.52.200
Substitute Bill: 16.52.011, 16.52.085, 16.52.100, 16.52.117, 16.52.200
Engrossed Substitute: 16.52.011, 16.52.085, 16.52.100, 16.52.117, 16.52.200
Bill as Passed Legislature: 16.52.011, 16.52.085, 16.52.100, 16.52.117, 16.52.200
Session Law: 16.52.011, 16.52.085, 16.52.100, 16.52.117, 16.52.200