Liability based on violations of local ordinances (negligence per se)
Local legislative bodies may create different rules with respect to animal liability in order to protect public safety, where such rules do not conflict with more general state laws. Rhoades v. City of Battle Ground, 115 Wn. App 752, 763, 63 P.3d 142 (2002), review denied, 149 Wn.2d 1028, 78 P.3d 656 (2003). For example, Seattle City Code § 12.24.010 requires dogs to be on a leash; the ordinance relates only to the "owner or custodian" of a dog, or to the "owner or custodian or other competent and authorized person . . . ." The violation of such an ordinance constitutes negligence per se.