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City of Zillah Emphasizes the Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership

ZILLAH, WA – In recent weeks, our community has witnessed several alarming incidents involving dangerous dogs, and we want to emphasize the importance of responsible dog ownership and compliance with local regulations. The City of Zillah urgently reminds all residents of their responsibilities towards ensuring the community's safety and well-being.

Recent Dangerous Dog Incidents:
1. A child suffered severe injuries after being bitten in the face by the family's Pitbull. The child is currently recovering in the hospital. Following the incident, the family decided to release their dog to the Humane Society, where it was subsequently euthanized.
 
2. In a distressing event near the Intermediate School, a Pitbull with multiple prior reports of aggressive behavior escaped again. The Zillah Police Department and School District took immediate measures to ensure the safety of the students. Despite efforts using non-lethal methods, the dog continued to display aggressive behavior and posed a significant risk, especially with school nearing dismissal. To protect the children, the Police Department made the difficult decision to put down the dog.
 
3. An off-leash, abandoned Pitbull went onto private property and attacked another dog. The dog suffered significant injuries, and the subsequent consequences led to the Pitbull being euthanized by the Humane Society.
 
In response to these incidents, the Zillah Police Department is intensifying enforcement of city codes related to off-leash, aggressive, and nuisance dogs. We can’t convey enough the importance of adhering to Zillah Municipal Code 6.04.030, which mandates all dogs over the age of six months to be licensed. This process helps identify and return lost pets and ensures the welfare of the animal and the community. Detailed information, along with online application and renewal forms, can be found on the city's website under the "How Do I?" page at: https://www.cityofzillah.us/departments/police/animal_control.php.
 

We urge every dog owner to be responsible by keeping dogs within the boundaries of their property, refraining from letting them off-leash, and ensuring that they are licensed consistent with the municipal code. Responsible ownership helps safeguard our community and prevents tragic incidents that lead to the unnecessary loss of animal lives.

Please call 911 to report an off-leash, aggressive, or nuisance dog. If anyone has questions or would like additional information, please contact Police Chief Tim Quantrell at tim.quantrell@co.yakima.wa.us or City Administrator Michael Grayum at mgrayum@cityofzillah.us.

About the City of Zillah
Located in the heart of Yakima Valley in Washington State, the City of Zillah is a vibrant community known for its rich agricultural heritage, safe and friendly atmosphere, and picturesque surroundings. Zillah is home to the world-renowned Yakima Chief Hops research facility, which connects family-owned hop farms with brewers from across the globe, and more than two dozen estate wineries with handcrafted tasting experiences in the vineyards that produce some of the best wines in Washington State.