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Washington statute

RCW 9.08.072 — Transferring stolen pet animal to a research institution—Penalty

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 9.08: Animals, Crimes Relating To, Revised Code of Washington.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of RCW 9.08.072

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.

RCW 9.08.072Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
(1) It is unlawful for any person to receive with intent to sell to a research institution in the state of Washington, or sell or otherwise directly transfer to a research institution in the state of Washington, a pet animal that the person knows or has reason to know has been stolen or fraudulently obtained. This section does not apply to U.S.D.A. licensed dealers. (2) The first conviction under this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW and, for adult offenders, a mandatory fine of not less than five hundred dollars per pet animal shall be imposed. (3) A second or subsequent conviction under this section is a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW and, for adult offenders, a mandatory fine of not less than one thousand dollars per pet animal shall be imposed. (4) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a person from also being convicted of separate offenses under RCW 9A.56.030, 9A.56.040, or 9A.56.050 for theft or under RCW 9A.56.150, 9A.56.160, or 9A.56.170 for possession of stolen property.

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Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is transferring stolen pet animal to a research institution a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?

It depends on the circumstances: transferring stolen pet animal to a research institution ranges from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Class C Felony in Washington under RCW 9.08.072.

First conviction: Gross Misdemeanor (RCW 9.08.072(2)) · Second or subsequent conviction: Class C Felony (RCW 9.08.072(3))

Which Washington statute covers transferring stolen pet animal to a research institution?

Transferring stolen pet animal to a research institution is governed by RCW 9.08.072 (Transferring stolen pet animal to a research institution—Penalty).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.