Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(1) The director has the authority to enter a property at any reasonable time to:
(a) Conduct tests, examinations, or inspections to take samples, and to examine and copy records when there is reasonable cause to investigate whether animals on the property or that have been on the property are infected with or have been exposed to disease; and
(b) Determine, when there is reasonable cause to investigate, whether animals on the property have been imported into Washington state in violation of requirements of this chapter, and to conduct tests, examinations, and inspections, take samples, and examine and copy records during such investigations.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to interfere with investigations, tests, inspections, or examinations, or to alter any segregation or identification systems made in connection with tests, inspections, or examinations conducted pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
(3) If the director is denied access to a property or animals for purposes of this chapter, or a person fails to comply with an order of the director, the director may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a search warrant. To show that access is denied, the director shall file with the court an affidavit or declaration containing a description of all attempts to notify and locate the owner or owner's agent and secure consent. The court may issue a search warrant authorizing access to any animal or property at reasonable times to conduct investigations, tests, inspections, or examinations of any animal or property, or to take samples, and examine and copy records, and may authorize seizure or destruction of property.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Washington Revised Code Title 16. Animals and Livestock § 16.36.060. Tests, examinations, inspections, samples, examine and copy records--Entry onto property--Unlawful conduct--Seizure of property--Search warrant - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/wa/title-16-animals-and-livestock/wa-rev-code-16-36-060/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)