Lake Forest Park Animal Ordinance Bans Feeding of Wildlife, Requires Pens for Livestock

The Lake Forest Park City Council back on May 24 unanimously passed an animal ordinance that addressed many animal-related issues.

The ordinance was the result of the work of the city's appointed Wildlife Task Force, Planning Commission as well as the City Council. Ongoing problems including an incident last July when coyotes killed a ram and were subsequently shot by a federal biologist prompted action.

Here are some of the changes: 

•The minimum lot area where any livestock or large animal may be sheltered, stabled or penned must be 20,000 square feet for the first animal plus 5,000 square feet for each additional animal. 

•The maximum number of bee hives that can be kept on a single family lot is 10 on property of 25,001 square feet or larger. On property up to 10,000 square feet the maximum number of hives that can be kept is two.

•The maximum number of chickens that can be kept on a single family lot is 15 on property of 25,001 square feet and larger. On a property up to 10,000 square feet the maximum number of chickens is eight. No roosters are allowed.

•It is against the law to directly or indirectly feed any wild animal, excluding hanging bird feeders that provide seed, suet or nectar.

•It is against the law to tease, annoy, disturb, molest, catch, injure or kill or throw a stone or missile of any kind or strike with any stick or weapon any animal, bird, fowl or fish, subject to the limits and conditions of RCW 77.36.030(1), which establishes limitations and conditions for trapping or killing wildlife threatening human safety or causing property damage.

•Traps are illegal. 

•Poisoning of animals is illegal.

•Any animal that is kept outdoors must be sheltered, penned, or stabled in a manner that prevents predation.