Concerning the use of dogs to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat.
SB 5482 generally bans using dogs to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat in Washington State. Exceptions allow this practice for law enforcement protecting livestock/public safety, scientific research by universities/agencies, and protecting endangered species. The law also permits limited, commission-approved use of dogs in specific areas only after proving no other safety alternatives exist. Violating the ban results in a gross misdemeanor charge and a five-year suspension of hunting privileges.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
upper
Feb 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources at 1:30 PM.
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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