As part of our mission to foster a harmonious living environment for all residents, we're spotlighting the importance of responsible dog ownership, which includes adhering to leash laws, controlling pet waste, minimizing dog barking, and understanding the relevant Skagit County ordinances.
1. Decoding Skagit County Leash Laws
While there is currently no leash law in unincorporated Skagit County, where Cedar Ridge Estates community is located, the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) for Cedar Ridge Estates states that household pets, at all times whenever they are outside the owners Lot, shall be confined on a leash. It's unlawful for a dog to run at large unless under immediate control by its owner. As always there are exceptions to these rules. A dog may be deemed "Dangerous" by the court system if it shows a documented pattern of aggressive behavior towards people or livestock. Please contact Skagit County Animal Control via the Skagit 9-1-1 Communications Center (emergencies dial 9-1-1 non-emergencies dial (360) 428-3211) to report aggressive dogs in our neighborhood.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) usually recommend keeping dogs on leashes primarily to ensure safety and harmony within the community. Dogs, regardless of their size or temperament, can behave unpredictably in certain situations, potentially leading to accidents or altercations with other pets or people. Leashing your dog not only ensures their safety but also that of others in the community. A leashed dog is less likely to run into the road, approach people who are uncomfortable with dogs, or engage in unsolicited interactions with other animals.
Not all residents in a neighborhood may be dog lovers, and even those who are may not appreciate an unfamiliar dog approaching them off-leash. By keeping dogs on leashes, homeowners demonstrate respect for these differing comfort levels and preferences. A leash also keeps a dog from trespassing on private property or causing damage to shared community spaces, making leashing an essential aspect of being a good neighbor.
2. Cedar Ridge Estates Pet Related CC&R's
Section 4.28 Animals and Pets:
No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind may be raised, bred, kept or permitted on any Lot, with the exception of dogs, cats and other usual, common household pets. Same shall be kept in a reasonable manner as determined by the Association's Board. Any household pet determined to, in the sole discretion of the Architectural Control Committee, endanger the health, make objectionable noise, or constitute a nuisance or inconvenience to the owners of any other Lots or the owner of any other property located adjacent to the community, may be removed by the Board. No pets shall be kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purpose. Dogs which are household pets, at all times whenever they are outside the owners Lot, shall be confined on a leash. Without prejudice to the Architectural Committee's right to remove any such household pets, no household pet that has caused any damage or injury may be left unrestrained in the community. In no case may there be more than two dogs or two cats per Lot.
3. The Eco-Logical Approach: Managing Pet Waste
Proper disposal of dog waste goes beyond neighborhood aesthetics; it's a matter of environmental stewardship. Canine feces can introduce harmful parasites and pathogens into our environment, contaminating our soil, our water resources and our protected wetlands. Following rainfall, this waste can end up in our storm drains, contributing to water pollution. By responsibly handling your pet's waste, we maintain the health and beauty of Cedar Ridge Estates and the wider Skagit County ecosystem. Canine fecal pollution in Skagit County rivers and streams can lead to shellfish contamination downstream.
4. Minimizing Dog Barking: Skagit County Ordinances
Under Skagit County's noise ordinances, excessive dog barking that disrupts the peace and comfort of the neighborhood is considered a public nuisance. While we appreciate the natural behavior of our canine companions, it's important to control excessive barking to maintain our community's serenity. If your dog tends to bark excessively, consider investing in training or noise deterrent devices.
Skagit County Noise Ordinance: Effective 1/1/2008 the county has adopted a new noise ordinance. In general terms no one is allowed to cause noise that unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort and repose of property owners usually between the hours of 10:00pm and 7:00am. However, there are exceptions to these rules. Please view the full county code here Chapter 9.50
Cedar Ridge Estates CC&R's Section 4.28 Animals and Pets states that, "Any household pet determined to, in the sole discretion of the Architectural Control Committee, endanger the health, make objectionable noise, or constitute a nuisance or inconvenience to the owners of any other Lots or the owner of any other property located adjacent to the community, may be removed by the Board."
5. Responding to Dogs Running Loose
One of the cornerstone responsibilities we share as members of Cedar Ridge Estates is ensuring the safety and tranquility of our community. A significant aspect of this communal duty involves vigilance regarding loose dogs in our neighborhood. Dogs running at large can create a myriad of concerns ranging from safety hazards to violations of local leash laws. By promptly reporting any instances of dogs running loose, we can collectively uphold the standards of our community, reinforce local ordinances, and safeguard the wellbeing of our pets and neighbors.
The following information regarding how to handle loose dogs in the neighborhood is from the Mount Vernon Animal Services page:
https://mountvernonwa.gov/343/Animal-Control#offleash
Reporting Lost & Found Animals
Please report lost or found animals through dispatch by calling 9-1-1. The local Mount Vernon Police Dispatch number is 360-428-3211. Found dogs will be picked up by the animal control officer or an available police officer if during non-business hours. Stray cats are not routinely picked up but can be taken directly to the humane society by the finder.
It is important to promptly report a missing pet! Chances are your pet may have been picked up or we may have information about your pet's whereabouts. It is our goal to reunite lost pets with their owners in a timely manner!
Impound Fees
If your dog is picked up by animal control or a police officer and does not have any form of identification the animal will be impounded. If an owner cannot be located within a reasonable time period the animal will be taken to the Skagit Valley Humane Society.
Before an animal may be redeemed by its owner the animal must be licensed and the following fees must be paid to the Mount Vernon Police Department:
- $20 distraining fee if impounded at the city kennel; and
- $66 humane society impoundment fee if taken to the humane society
Avoid having your pet taken to the humane society by reporting them missing right away!
Citations
Animal owners that are in violation of an animal ordinance may be issued a civil infraction. Some offenses such as animal cruelty, dog fighting, or violations of the dangerous / potentially dangerous dog ordinance can be enforced with a criminal citation. The following infraction fee schedule applies within a 12 month period:
- $103 First offense
- $205 Second offense
- $308 Third offense
- $1,025 Fourth offense
6. Embracing Good Neighborliness
Being part of Cedar Ridge Estates means embracing a culture of respect and community-mindedness. When we leash our dogs, manage their waste appropriately, and control their barking, we're not just abiding by the law - we're nurturing a harmonious living environment. This respect for communal spaces and the comfort of our neighbors enhances our shared experience of Cedar Ridge Estates.
7. The Power of Positive Role Modeling
Abiding by the leash laws, managing pet waste, and mitigating excessive dog barking are more than acts of legal compliance or environmental conservation - they're powerful demonstrations of community responsibility. In doing so, we set a positive precedent for others, especially our younger residents, underscoring the values of respect, accountability, and community harmony.
Conclusion
Our dogs are cherished members of our Cedar Ridge Estates community. By adhering to Skagit County's leash and noise ordinances, our neighborhood CC&R's, managing our pets' waste responsibly, and taking steps to control barking, we contribute to our community's safety, serenity, and overall aesthetics.
Let's keep fostering responsible pet ownership and community pride, setting the standard for others to follow. Together, we can ensure Cedar Ridge Estates remains a welcoming, peaceful, and attractive place to call home.