2017 Senate Bill 709

Establish procedures and penalties for vicious dog interventions

Introduced in the Senate

Dec. 5, 2017

Introduced by Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-37)

To establish a legal process for declaring that a dog is a “vicious dog” or “dangerous dog” as defined in bill, and authorize courts to order the animal euthanized, or impose other specified restrictions on the dog and owner. Violators would be subject to criminal penalties, including up to four years in prison in serious cases. Owners also would be prohibited from selling or giving the dog away without a court order.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

March 8, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.