(1) If any domestic animal is impounded or confined without necessary food and water for more than 24 consecutive hours, any person may, from time to time, as is necessary, enter into and open any pound or place of confinement in which any domestic animal is confined, and supply it with necessary food and water so long as it is confined. The person shall not be liable to action for the entry, and may collect from the animal's owner the reasonable cost of the food and water. The animal shall be subject to attachment for the costs and shall not be exempt from levy and sale upon execution issued upon a judgment.

(2) An investigating officer may enter into and upon a property, building, dwelling, or vehicle to provide a confined animal necessary food and water prior to the animal being without necessary food or water for 24 consecutive hours if the officer has probable cause to believe the animal's health or life is in imminent danger. If an investigating officer finds it extremely difficult to supply confined animals with food and water, the officer may remove the animals to protective custody for that purpose.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring an investigating officer to wait for an animal to be confined or impounded without necessary food or water for 24 consecutive hours before making a determination that the animal has been abandoned.

(4) When determining if an animal has been abandoned under this chapter, a determination of abandonment by an officer must be based on probable cause.

Finding—Intent—1994 c 261: See note following RCW 16.52.011.