Anacortes council adopts ordinance exempting state-authorized falconers and institutions from dangerous-wild-animal ban

Anacortes council voted unanimously on March 9 to adopt an amendment to the city's potentially dangerous wild animals code that adds an explicit exemption for institutions authorized by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

City staff explained that raptors such as falcons had been listed among potentially dangerous wild animals in AMC chapter 6.16 and that the current code's exemptions did not explicitly include state-authorized institutions and licensed falconers. Staff noted the city already contracts with a licensed falconer to help control seagulls at city facilities.

"This ordinance proposes to amend AMC chapter 6.16, which regulates and largely prohibits potentially dangerous wild animals within the city of Anacortes," staff said, and explained the substantive change is adding language to exempt institutions authorized by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife from the restrictions. The police and public-works departments reviewed the draft.

Councilmember Currier moved to waive the second-reading rule and proceed to immediate adoption; the motion was seconded, and the roll-call vote recorded seven ayes and zero nays. The ordinance was approved that evening.