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16.52.207 Animal cruelty in the second degree
(1) A person is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under
circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the person
knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence inflicts unnecessary
suffering or pain upon an animal.
(2) An owner of an animal is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree if, under circumstances not amounting to first degree animal cruelty, the owner knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence:
(a) Fails to provide the animal with necessary food, water, shelter, rest, sanitation, ventilation, space, or medical attention and the animal suffers unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain as a result of the failure; or
(b) Abandons the animal.
(3) Animal cruelty in the second degree is a misdemeanor.
(4) In any prosecution of animal cruelty in the second degree, it shall be an affirmative defense, if established by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant's failure was due to economic distress beyond the defendant's control.
16.52.210 Destruction of animal by law enforcement
officer--Immunity from liability
This chapter shall not limit the right of a law enforcement officer to
destroy an animal that has been seriously injured and would otherwise
continue to suffer. Such action shall be undertaken with reasonable prudence
and, whenever possible, in consultation with a licensed veterinarian
and the owner of the animal.
Law enforcement officers and licensed veterinarians shall be immune from civil and criminal liability for actions taken under this chapter if reasonable prudence is exercised in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.