House Majority Leader Mike Moyle is bringing up a bill promising to give better response to dogs known to be a danger to the public.
It’s an issue he sees right in his own neighborhood. Moyle, R-Star, says a 4 year old neighbor was attacked by a dog this past summer. It bit her face causing extensive damage.
Moyle’s bill is a measure that addresses dangerous dogs that have attacked people. It gives guidelines for judges to determine if the dog needs to be put down and gives victims the chance to sue for damages.
When Moyle presented the bill in committee, he said it provides protection for work dogs like police K9's or sheep herders. He also made clear no breeds were being targeted.
"So there was a bunch of neighbors that came to me and there were several instances throughout the summer,” said Moyle. “I never realized how many dog bite incidents were going on in the state. It's pretty substantial. Most of them aren't reported and most of them are by little dogs, but even little dogs can have an effect. "
The bill includes a notification mandate that local law enforcement know if owners of a dangerous dog move to a new house.
