Concerning the use of dogs to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat.

 S-0524.1

SENATE BILL 5482

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senators Liias and Chapman

AN ACT Relating to the use of dogs to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat; and amending RCW 77.15.245 .

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 77.15.245 and 2019 c 226 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 77.12.240 , 77.36.030 , or any other provisions of law, it is unlawful to take, hunt, or attract black bear with the aid of bait.

(a) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the killing of black bear with the aid of bait by employees or agents of county, state, or federal agencies while acting in their official capacities for the purpose of protecting livestock, domestic animals, private property, or the public safety.