|
SB 834 - Under this act, a person has an absolute defense against civil liability or criminal prosecution for killing or injuring a dog, if such person's actions were based on the reasonable belief that he or she, or another person, was in imminent danger of being harmed by the dog. It is prima facie evidence that a person considered himself to be in "imminent danger" from a dog if such dog had at least twice previously trespassed onto the person's property, and if the person had notified the county sheriff or local animal control authority on the occasion of each prior trespass. A court shall award all reasonable costs to the defendant in any such suit if evidence shows the defendant is entitled to the absolute defense as described. The owner of a dog who bites a person while in a public or lawful private place shall be strictly liable for damages to the bitten individual. Owners of such dogs shall also be strictly liable for any damage incurred to property or livestock by their dogs. If a dog owner is found liable by a court for such damages, the owner shall also be assessed a civil fine up to $1,000. When a dog that has previously bitten a person or domestic animal without provocation, subsequently bites a person or domestic animal again, the owner shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. However, if the offense results in severe injury it shall be a Class A misdemeanor or if it results in death it shall be a class C felony. Any such dog, or a dog that inflicts severe injury or death on the first biting occasion, shall be seized by the animal control authority or county sheriff who shall notify the dog's owner in writing. The dog shall be impounded for ten business days after notice has been provided to the owner, after which time the dog shall be destroyed. Appeal procedures are provided in the act. The act's provisions do not apply to dogs who bite a person while such person is engaged in criminal activity at the time of attack. Certain instances of trespassing are not considered "criminal activity" under the act. Dogs owned or utilized by a law enforcement agency who bite in the course of their employ are exempt from the provisions of the act. ERIKA JAQUES
|
