County staff propose Title 5 edits to align animal control authority with state law

County legal and animal‑control staff briefed Spokane County commissioners on Nov. 17 about proposed amendments to County Code Title 5 that would remove a requirement that animal protection officers hold a special commission from the sheriff’s office.

Presenters said RCW 16.52.015 and related statutes already authorize animal protection officers’ powers — including issuing civil infractions, seeking warrants and directing deputies to arrest for animal crimes — and that aligning county code with state law would remove redundant administrative requirements placed on the sheriff’s office. Staff emphasized that the powers of animal protection officers would not change; instead the code would reference state statutes and clarify definitions, training expectations and authorized nonlethal defensive equipment for officers.

Staff said the change would streamline administration, reduce duplication, and allow SCRAPS to operate more efficiently under clearly defined state authority while retaining sheriff involvement for warrants and arrests. The draft replacement code sections are expected to appear on the Dec. 2 legislative session agenda for formal consideration.

Next steps: staff will circulate the proposed replacement Title 5 sections and bring the ordinance to the Dec. 2 meeting for the board’s legislative consideration.