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June 12, 2025 Public Comment Period Extended for Revisions to Skagit County Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Dogs Code to Friday, June 27, 2025A public hearing was held on June 10, 2025, on proposed revisions to Skagit County Code relating to dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. To provide additional opportunity for public input, the Skagit County Board of Commissioners has extended the public comment period related to proposed revisions to Skagit County Code. The Skagit County code provisions relating to dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs outline the process for determining whether an animal is potentially dangerous or dangerous, the registration requirements for such animals, and the methods to challenge determinations. The County and Sheriff’s Office proposed the revisions to streamline the determination process and improve language to clarify the County’s procedures if someone violates the ordinance, and clarify animal owners’ obligations and rights to challenge a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog determination. Potential changes include widening the definition of dangerous dog from a dog to any member of the canidae family — such as wolves and coyotes — and excluding killing poultry as a reason to categorize a canidae as a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog, unless it has killed poultry five or more times. Additionally, proposed revisions include new language that says if a person has 15 or more dogs, and the County determines one of the dogs is a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog, then any or all of the other dogs can also be categorized as dangerous or potentially dangerous. Proposed revisions also formalize an owner’s right to challenge a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog determination in Skagit County District Court, shortening the administrative process. Comments or questions regarding the proposed revisions can be directed via email or phone to the Skagit County Board of Commissioners at commissioners@co.skagit.wa.us or at emilyd@co.skagit.wa.us or (360) 416-1300, or by mail to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. All comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, to be considered. Afterwards, the amendments are scheduled to be considered on the Consent Agenda on Monday, July 7, 2025. To view the full proposed code revisions, visit www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/Sheriff/animalcontrol.htm. To view the public hearing held on June 10, 2025, regarding amending Skagit County Code Chapter 7.06 Pertaining to Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Dogs (begins at 41:55), visit www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/TV21/mediaplayer.htm.
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