2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 16.70.030: Emergency action authorized — Scope — Animals as public nuisance.

In the event of an emergency arising out of an outbreak of communicable disease caused by exposure to or contact with pet animals, the secretary is hereby authorized to take any reasonable action deemed necessary by him to protect the public health, including but not limited to the use of quarantine or the institution of any legal action authorized pursuant to Title 7 RCW and RCW 43.20A.640 through 43.20A.650.

The secretary shall have authority to destroy any pet animal or animals which may reasonably be suspected of having a communicable disease dangerous to humans and such animal or animals are hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

[1971 c 72 § 3.]

Reviser's note: "RCW 43.20.150 through 43.20.170" were translated to "RCW 43.20A.640 through 43.20A.650" due to their recodification from chapter 43.20 RCW to chapter 43.20A RCW by 1979 c 141 § 384. Subsequently, RCW 43.20A.640 through 43.20A.650 were recodified as RCW 43.70.170 through 43.70.190, pursuant to 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 267, effective July 1, 1989.