Certain veterinary procedures — Misdemeanor.
RCW 16.52.095
in effect(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, it is a misdemeanor: (a) For any person to cut off more than one-half of the ear or ears of any domestic animal such as an ox, cow, bull, calf, sheep, goat, or hog; or (b) For any person to: (i) Devocalize a dog; (ii) Crop or cut off any part of the ear of a dog; or (iii) Crop or cut off any part of the tail of a dog that is seven days old or older, or has opened its eyes, whichever occurs sooner. (2) This section does not apply if the person performing the procedure is a licensed veterinarian utilizing accepted veterinary surgical protocols that may include local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or perioperative pain management.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, it is a misdemeanor:
(a) For any person to cut off more than one-half of the ear or ears of any domestic animal such as an ox, cow, bull, calf, sheep, goat, or hog; or
(b) For any person to:
(i) Devocalize a dog;
(ii) Crop or cut off any part of the ear of a dog; or
(iii) Crop or cut off any part of the tail of a dog that is seven days old or older, or has opened its eyes, whichever occurs sooner.
(2) This section does not apply if the person performing the procedure is a licensed veterinarian utilizing accepted veterinary surgical protocols that may include local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or perioperative pain management.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=16.52&full=trueFetched: 6/28/2026