Tri-County Humane Society: News - Dangerous Dog Bill

November 23, 2008

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News: Dangerous Dog Bill

Thanks to everyone who contacted their legislators to support the dangerous dog bill S.F. 2876. Governor Pawlenty signed it into law on Thursday, May 15. This bill basically strengthens the existing law by giving animal control authorities the tools they need
to better protect the public from dog bites and dog
attacks. It addresses repeat offenders and the
culpability of dog owners who endanger the public.
It clarifies existing language, requires the
sterilization of dangerous dogs, increases the dollar
amount of insurance required (for a victim of a dog
attack), provides due process for a dangerous dog
designation, provides for prohibiting further dog
ownership, and increases penalties for those who create
dangerous dogs through irresponsible actions.
The maximum penalty is often paid by the dog, but
there are relatively light penalties, if any, placed
on the owners.
In addition, a provision that was amended into the dangerous dog bill and also passed into law allows a city to adopt an ordinance to permit food and beverage establishments to allow dogs to accompany patrons in designated outdoor areas (e.g., restaurants
with outdoor patio areas). If you have a chance, please thank Senator Ellen Anderson and Representative Michael Paymar for authoring these bills.

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