TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – A bill that will hold dog owners accountable for “dangerous dogs” has advanced in the Florida Senate and is approaching the law.
Called the “Dangerous Dogs” bill, CS/HB 593 requires that certain dogs be confiscated, trapped, held and secured in a suitable enclosure if the animal is known to be dangerous.
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“The Legislature has discovered that dangerous dogs are increasingly severe and widespread threats to the safety and welfare of the people of this state due to attacks that cause injuries to people and livestock. Such attacks stem from the owners not properly trained, trained and controlled the dogs.”
The bill defines a “dangerous dog” that has been aggressively bitten, attacked, at risk or seriously injured by a human on public or private property, and has either injured or killed several injuries from the property of its owner, provoked with an “attack of an attack,” chased, chased, chased or approached.
These animals should be properly surrounded inside with fenced yards or pens/structures that prevent them from escaping.
Animal Control Officers will investigate reported cases, request an interview with the owner of the dangerous dog, and confiscate the dogs withheld results of the investigation. If necessary, the dog is isolated, trapped and held. The owner will be responsible for all boarding costs and fees pending hearing/appeals, the bill states.
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A dog is not considered dangerous if the person attacked is illegal on private property or if the dog defends the person from an unfair attack.
The bill is cited as the “Pamlock Act,” referring to mail carriers who were attacked and killed by dog packs in 2022, NBC affiliate Wesh reported.
“What this bill, what it does, is to introduce a set of laws like Pam Locke’s mail carriers, that will help people stay safe when they’re doing their business,” Senator Jay Collins said.
Three months ago, the bill regained interest after two dogs struck the death of 8-year-old Deland Boy. Along with the Volsia Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Mike Chitwood has supported the bill from the start, saying the recent situation put the topic “on steroids” with Florida lawmakers.
If passed, the bill will take effect on July 1st. Click here to read the revised version of the bill.
