Texas and Arizona Dog Owners Now Liable For Pet's Actions

The states of Texas and Arizona just passed bills that hold dog owners responsible if their pet causes injury or death to others.

In Texas, the House passed Bill 1389 which calls for a first degree felony charge and life in prison for dog owners if their dog kills a child under the age of 18 or an adult older than 65.

If a dog attack results in a serious injury the penalty could be a third degree felony.

The bill also says children and senior citizens are the most vulnerable to dog attacks and that the felony charges would apply only if the attack is unprovoked and off of the owner’s property.
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Supporters say the House Bill would not punish responsible dog owners but only those who knew their animal was dangerous and may attack.

Opponents to the bill however, say first-degree felonies are intentional crimes and that the bill would not protect people from potential attacks.

The bill was authored by state Representative Chuck Hopson, a Jacksonville, Texas Republican.

Following a procedural vote, the measure will go to the Senate for consideration.

Meanwhile in Arizona, Governor Jan Brewer recently signed House Bill 2137 which makes a dog attacking another dog a Class 1 misdemeanor which could carry six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

The bill was the result of Glendale, Arizona residents Richard and Sally Andrade tenaciously lobbying state lawmakers to go after owners of vicious dogs after their miniature Poodle Fabian was fatally mauled in 2009 by a neighbor’s unleashed dog. The Glendale couple pushed for state legislation they dubbed “Fabian’s Law” after learning they couldn’t hold the owners accountable for their pet’s death.

Maricopa County Arizona Animal Care and Control said dog-on-dog attacks numbered 900 in 2010.

Other provisions in the bill include a Class 3 felony charge if a person intentionally or knowingly causes a dog to bite and inflict serious physical injury to another person without justification. Also a person who is responsible for the care of a dog will now be held to the same expectations as the owner. The bill takes effect in 90 days.

Story By Elaine Furst For Dog Files

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Lolabeans
Lolabeans
12 years ago

SMALL DOG OWNERS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INJURY OR DEATHS OF THEIR OWN DOGS IN THE BIG DOG SECTION OF PUBLIC DOG PARK!!  There is a reason that there are Small Dog and Big Dog Sections.  One frightened yelp or tumble of a small dog amongst big dogs can go from Play to Prey.  One bite or shake and it’s all over for the small dog.   
Even the very best trained and well behaved dogs might attack a small dog when triggered by a cry.  It’s called PREDATORY DRIFT.  IT’S A NATURAL INSTINCT AND CANNOT BE PREDICTED IN ANY DOG.Therefore, Small dog owners need to smarten up!  NEVER TAKE SMALL DOGS INTO LARGE DOG SECTION!  

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