The Washington State Children and Pets Safety Parity Act seeks to improve protections for children and pets by amending existing laws to establish minimum care standards for animals, which include adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and a clean living environment. The bill grants law enforcement and animal control officers the authority to enter private property without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe an animal is in imminent danger or suffering serious injury. In cases where a child may also be present under similar circumstances, the animal control officer is required to notify law enforcement to take appropriate action. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for seizing animals, including the requirement for owners to post a bond for the animal's care and mandates that seized animals receive minimum care.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions regarding the custody and placement of children, particularly in situations where the safety of both children and animals is at stake. It stipulates that a child taken into custody cannot be returned home until a court has determined the home is safe for both the child and any animals, and a joint safety plan has been developed. The legislation also clarifies the court's responsibilities during hearings, emphasizing the need to consider past involvement with child protective services and law enforcement. It promotes maintaining family connections by allowing for sibling placements and ensuring children remain in their current schools when possible, while requiring courts to include a joint safety plan in their orders related to home safety.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 16.52.085, 26.44.050, 13.34.060, 13.34.110, 13.34.130